Tehran insists it is pursuing a peaceful nuclear program and has no interest in developing nuclear weapons, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate on Tuesday, Khatibzadeh stated Iran is prepared to offer assurances regarding its nuclear activities.
Khatibzadeh emphasized Iran’s pride in its domestically developed nuclear program, asserting that the nation would not compromise on matters of national security. He also alluded to receiving conflicting messages from Washington through intermediary countries, highlighting the complexities of the US position on Iran’s nuclear file.
“We are dedicated to a peaceful resolution,” Khatibzadeh noted, “but we will not be bullied.”
Just days prior, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that resuming negotiations with the United States is not currently feasible. Araqchi stated that Iran would consider future dialogue based on equality and aimed at a mutually beneficial agreement. This follows claims from former US President Donald Trump that Tehran requested the lifting of sanctions and expressed willingness to negotiate.
Tensions between the two countries have been elevated following a recent conflict. International sanctions were reimposed after the European troika (France, Britain, and Germany) triggered the snapback mechanism. Iranian officials have argued that the United States presented unreasonable demands during recent negotiations.
Iran and the Trump administration held several rounds of indirect nuclear talks previously. However, before a planned sixth round, tensions escalated further. The future of nuclear negotiations remains uncertain.
