Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted on Saturday that Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear development and open to dialogue, while cautioning Israel that any meaningful negotiations must come to an end before any meaningful discussions can resume.
Araghchi reiterated Iran’s nuclear activities are in accordance with international law and used solely for civilian and scientific research, denying allegations of nuclear weapon development as politically motivated, while affirming Tehran’s preference for diplomacy — though only under certain preconditions.
Araghchi asserted, “Iran’s nuclear programme has always been and remains peaceful, with nothing to hide. However, no nation can expect to engage in diplomacy while under constant threat.”
This statement comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, where Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted Iranian military positions and infrastructure related to missile development in Syria and Iraq. Though Israel has yet to acknowledge all attacks, its leadership has pledged to prevent Iran from developing any nuclear or long-range weapon capabilities that threaten Israeli security.
Araghchi accused Israel of deliberately undermining regional stability and undercutting efforts to revive nuclear talks, particularly through airstrikes or cyberattacks, that pose an impediment to peace. These actions must cease before diplomacy can move forward, Araghchi stressed.
As part of international pressure for both sides to return to negotiations, both nations were reminded to de-escalate and come back to the table for negotiations. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which set limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief from the United States in 2018, fell apart following its withdrawal and discussions to revive it have repeatedly broken down due to mutual allegations and shifting political landscapes.
Western officials, such as those from the European Union, have repeatedly encouraged Iran not to engage in further nuclear enrichment and Israel to exercise restraint. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently called for maximum restraint and stressed that diplomacy is the only viable path toward preventing further conflict.
Araghchi is an experienced diplomat who has participated in multiple rounds of nuclear negotiations with Iran and has stated that while diplomacy remains important for Iranian national security, negotiations should take priority over nationalist sentiments. While we remain committed to dialogue, dialogue must be founded upon mutual respect and an end of hostilities; otherwise there can never be peace on Earth.” As long as our scientists are being assassinated and our facilities attacked while sovereignty violations occur he said, peace cannot exist among nations.
Analysts agree that recent events place additional strain on Western powers to mediate and avert regional conflict. Iran has signaled it won’t close down diplomacy altogether; but rather won’t open it while missiles remain active.