WANA (Apr 22) – Speech by Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference – April 21, 2025

 

It is an honor for me to participate in this conference. At a time when the world faces growing challenges in security and technology, the opportunity to engage in dialogue about the future of the global non-proliferation regime is more important than ever. The truth is, abandoning dialogue and turning toward confrontation is the greatest threat to this regime—not a way to strengthen it.

 

I am here today not to negotiate in public, but to clarify the views of the Islamic Republic of Iran on nuclear policy and our peaceful strategies.

 

Iran’s Commitment to Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Iran was among the first signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and from the outset, has emphasized the equal right of all countries to access peaceful nuclear technology while opposing the production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. Our stance is not just legal or political; it is rooted in our moral and religious beliefs. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has explicitly declared that producing and using such weapons is forbidden (haram), giving our position a powerful ethical and religious foundation.

 

Iran has also consistently supported the idea of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Along with Egypt, we first proposed this idea in 1974, and it remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. We believe nuclear weapons have no place in the Middle East—or anywhere else in the world. Yet the West’s silence on Israel’s nuclear arsenal, and that regime’s refusal to join the NPT or accept IAEA oversight, has created a long-standing double standard in the global non-proliferation system. It is now 2025; this double standard must come to an end.

 

Iran’s Peaceful Nuclear Program and the Challenges Ahead
Iran’s peaceful nuclear development stems from real and long-term national needs. Our journey began in the 1950s in cooperation with the U.S. “Atoms for Peace” program. Today, with a population exceeding 90 million and a broad industrial base, we clearly require diverse energy sources to maintain our economic independence and remain environmentally responsible.

 

Unfortunately, this peaceful program has repeatedly fallen victim to misunderstandings, distorted narratives, and unilateral political agendas. These false narratives have led to misguided policies and hindered genuine diplomatic opportunities. However, we are beginning to see signs of change. It appears President Trump has recognized the costly mistakes of past administrations—mistakes that squandered trillions of taxpayer dollars in the Middle East without yielding any benefits for the United States.

 

Iran has consistently expressed readiness to engage with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect and equal standing. This includes recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights under the NPT, such as the right to produce nuclear fuel for power plants. We have nothing to hide. That’s why, under the JCPOA, Iran accepted the most comprehensive inspection regime in international history.

 

But the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposition of sanctions disrupted the path of trust-building. Nevertheless, Iran has again shown its commitment to diplomacy and remains open to constructive dialogue.

 

The Path Forward: Requirements for a Sustainable Agreement
Every successful negotiation must rest on a solid foundation. That foundation should be a fair and reciprocal compromise. Contrary to the claims of certain lobbies, Iran has consistently honored its commitments under the JCPOA. Official reports, including a recent assessment by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, confirm this. Even seven years after the U.S. withdrawal, we have continued to uphold our obligations. This proves that Iran’s signature is trustworthy. Anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed or deliberately distorting the truth.

 

There are two common misconceptions that must be addressed:

First, some special-interest groups are trying to sabotage diplomacy between Iran and the U.S., portraying any potential deal as a mere repetition of the JCPOA. Let me be clear: While the JCPOA was a significant achievement, many in Iran believe it is no longer sufficient. What they seek is a new agreement—one that addresses the concerns of all sides and secures Iran’s economic benefits. I share this view. I can’t speak for President Trump, but his track record suggests he too has no desire to simply return to the JCPOA.

 

Second, Iran has never obstructed scientific or economic cooperation with the U.S. It is American policymakers—under pressure from the same groups—who have blocked the path of collaboration. In a recent op-ed in The Washington Post, I explained that Iran’s economy holds a trillion-dollar potential—an opportunity that could also benefit American companies, particularly in clean and non-hydrocarbon energy production. We already operate an active reactor in Bushehr, and we plan to build at least 19 more. This means the U.S. nuclear industry—currently in decline—stands before a market worth tens of billions of dollars in potential contracts.

 

To reach a sustainable agreement, two key principles must be respected: First, Iran’s economic benefits must be guaranteed. Second, there must be clear and transparent verification of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities. Only such an agreement can foster long-term trust and stability. The scope of negotiations must also be clearly defined: talks should focus solely on lifting sanctions and nuclear issues. In this unstable and volatile region, Iran will never put its national security up for negotiation.

 

Equally important is the recognition and respect for the Iranian people’s history, civilization, and cultural identity. Threatening language and pressure tactics have failed—and will continue to fail. The only path to effective and constructive engagement is dialogue based on mutual respect and mutual understanding of each party’s position.

 

And finally, it is crucial that Iran not be treated as an exception in the global non-proliferation regime. Like all other NPT members, Iran has both rights and responsibilities. Respecting this fundamental principle is essential for reaching a fair and lasting agreement.

 

If we truly want the global non-proliferation regime to endure, all countries—especially those possessing nuclear weapons—must fulfill their commitments. Only through mutual accountability can we tackle the critical and urgent challenges of our time.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play an active role in building a safer region, free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

 

Thank you for your attention.

 

Yesterday, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations announced that the scheduled virtual speech by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference had been cancelled. The Mission expressed regret over the organizers’ decision but stated that the full text of the Minister’s remarks would be shared at an appropriate time.