Iran’s right to nuclear enrichment non-negotiable, Araghchi tells disarmament conference

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is "inherent and non-negotiable," while simultaneously confirming that a "new window of opportunity" has opened for diplomacy with the United States.

Araghchi made the remarks in an address at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday, which came minutes after he concluded a second round of indirect negotiations with US officials in Geneva.

In a firm defense of Tehran’s nuclear program, Araghchi emphasized that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) explicitly recognizes the inalienable right of states to produce and use nuclear energy.

"This right is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding," Araghchi told the plenary meeting. "It is not conditional upon political considerations, nor can it be suspended or reinterpreted arbitrarily."

The foreign minister reiterated that nuclear weapons have "no place" in Iran’s security doctrine, citing religious boundaries and a defensive policy that prohibits weapons of mass destruction.

However, he warned that lasting agreements can only be achieved through "mutual balanced commitments."

Araghchi credited "friendly countries in the region," notably Oman, for facilitating a renewed diplomatic channel.

"A new window of opportunity has opened," he said. "We are hopeful that negotiation will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution."

Rebuking US-Israeli aggression

The speech contained sharp criticism of Western powers, specifically the United States, for its 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA and its participation in the June aggression against Iran.

Araghchi described the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as "war crimes" and accused the US of "colluding with a non-party to the NPT," a reference to Israel, against a state party.

He further condemned what he termed "double standards" regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities and its regional military actions, stating that the silence of international institutions in the face of such violations signals a "serious erosion of the global non-proliferation regime."

The minister also touched upon the technical complexities of inspections following the military strikes of 2025.

He pointed out that he held technical discussions on Monday with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Araghchi noted that because attacks on safeguarded installations are "entirely unprecedented," Iran and the Agency are working to identify a "mutually agreed framework" for inspections that accounts for the current state of the facilities.

He concluded his address by urging the Conference on Disarmament to overcome its long-standing "paralysis" and begin negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention.

"The choice before us is clear," he warned. "Either we dismantle nuclear weapons, or they will one day dismantle us."

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