Iran declares 'we are conducting our nuclear activities'

In an interview with the French magazine Le Monde, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi evaluated potential negotiations with the US, Iran's missile program, the uranium enrichment process, and the role of Europe. Emphasizing that Iran's missile program is based entirely on defense and deterrence, Araghchi stated that they categorically reject any negotiations on this matter. Araghchi said, "Iran remains open to dialogue with Washington regarding the nuclear issue. However, for this dialogue to begin, the US must provide guarantees against any kind of aggression, adhere to mutual respect, and acknowledge its past mistakes."

"ATTITUDE MUST CHANGE"

Araghchi stated, "Iran has clearly demonstrated that it is always open to negotiations based on mutual respect. However, our enemy, the US, violated a multilateral and international agreement by unilaterally withdrawing from the nuclear deal in 2018. The attacks by the US and Israel could have led to an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe that would affect the security and health of not only the Iranian people but all the peoples of the region for years to come."

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi noted that it was the US that interrupted the diplomatic process, stating, "Diplomacy is a two-way street. Therefore, responsibility for past mistakes must be accepted, and a clear change in behavior must be seen. While negotiations are ongoing, we must be sure that the US will not resort to a military attack in the future."

"MAY VARY"

Speaking about the date of the next negotiation with the US, Araghchi said, "Currently, diplomatic contacts are continuing through some friendly and mediating countries. The format of the talks may vary depending on the stated conditions. Dialogue has always formed the basis of Iran's foreign policy, and throughout history, there is not a single example of Iran violating this principle."

Stating that Israel has failed to achieve its goals, Araghchi said, "We will not allow anyone to take away our people's will through the threat of war."

"WE ACCEPTED ENRICHMENT AT A CERTAIN LEVEL"

Addressing claims that Iran is ready to limit its uranium enrichment program, Araghchi said, "We are conducting our uranium enrichment activities in accordance with the rights we possess under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and we have repeatedly emphasized that our nuclear program has no military purpose. Despite having been attacked, we have not deviated from our policy that bans the production of nuclear weapons via a fatwa. The production, storage, and use of weapons of mass destruction are considered inhumane and contrary to Islam."

Stating that the enrichment level is determined according to Iran's needs, Araghchi said, "Under the Nuclear Deal, we accepted enrichment at a certain level. However, later, after Argentina—which had committed to providing fuel for medical and radiopharmaceutical production at the research reactor in Tehran—failed to fulfill its obligations, we carried out enrichment at a 20 percent rate solely for this purpose. Then we reached the 60 percent level, which clearly showed that threats and pressure are not the solution. Enrichment is both Iran's right and its need. However, such technical details can be negotiated within the framework of a mutual, balanced, and guaranteed agreement."

"OUR PEOPLE'S RIGHTS MUST BE PROTECTED"

Evaluating the idea of establishing a consortium for a civilian nuclear program between Iran and regional countries, Araghchi said, "Iran has always been open to international and regional cooperation and transparency, but successes in this area have remained limited. For example, in the Framatome cooperation established with France in the 1970s, France blocked Iran's shares and dividends."

Araghchi stated that a similar situation was experienced with Germany, adding, "Nevertheless, regional cooperation is open to negotiation. Our only condition is that the rights and interests of the Iranian people are not ignored. Iran is ready to cooperate on peaceful nuclear technology with responsible countries, especially its neighbors."

"EUROPE CANNOT EXPECT IRAN TO RENOUNCE ITS RIGHT TO DEFENSE"

Evaluating the calls from European countries to limit Iran's missile program, Araghchi said, "If France can tolerate some countries developing long-range missiles or selling these weapons, why does it question Iran's limited-range ballistic defense program? Our missile program is entirely for defense and deterrence. While Iran is constantly threatened by Israel and the US and has even been directly attacked by the US, it cannot be expected to renounce its defense capacity. Like the European countries that defend their right to defense, Iran is also protecting this legitimate right."

Addressing France's statements that Europe should take a role in the negotiations and Europe's threats to trigger the snapback mechanism, Araghchi said, "The snapback mechanism and threats of sanctions do not contribute to diplomacy. If Europe truly wants to take a constructive role, it must demonstrate its independence and impartiality and clearly condemn Israel's aggression and the US attacks on Iranian facilities. Unfortunately, France has not done this. Under these conditions, it is not fair to expect Iran to comply with international rules."

Araghchi said, "Europe can play a constructive role in preserving the nuclear deal and reducing tension. Iran supports the efforts of the three European countries to revive the nuclear deal. However, this support depends on Europe refraining from provocative steps like the snapback mechanism. Otherwise, this means that the role of France and Europe in the process has ended."

"WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF LEAVING"

Responding to claims that Iran will withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Araghchi said, "We have no such intention yet. Despite the heaviest sanctions, the assassination of our scientists, and sabotage operations, we have maintained our commitment to the NPT. However, respect for this agreement must not be one-sided."