Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakich recently stated that if the United States aims to strip Iran of its “nuclear rights,” then Tehran will firmly resist any such efforts. Speaking in Doha ahead of more nuclear discussions with the U.S. in Oman, he emphasized that Iran views its right to uranium enrichment as something that cannot be negotiated.
In his remarks, Arakich conveyed that Iran will not back down from its entitlements, stating, “If the goal of the negotiations is to take Iran out of its nuclear rights, I am clearly saying that Iran will not retreat from any of its rights.” This stance comes despite pressures from U.S. officials who have suggested the necessity of dismantling Iran’s enrichment facilities to strengthen non-proliferation efforts.
There’s a backdrop of tension here—U.S. President Donald Trump, who pulled the U.S. out of a 2015 nuclear deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program, has hinted at military action if a new agreement isn’t reached. Meanwhile, Western nations argue that Iran has accelerated its nuclear ambitions since the withdrawal, with concerns it may be heading toward developing weapons, a claim that Iran disputes, asserting that its program is solely for peaceful purposes.
During indirect talks with the U.S., Iran has reiterated its right to peacefully harness nuclear energy, asserting it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. Arakich concluded that while Iran is committed to negotiating sincerely, any attempt to limit its nuclear rights will not be accepted, suggesting that meaningful agreement might still be possible if the focus shifts to preventing nuclear armament rather than restricting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
