WANA (Feb 17) – Iran’s foreign minister told the high-level segment of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that the country’s right to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is “inherent, inalienable, and non-negotiable,” rejecting any attempt to condition that right on political considerations.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who traveled to Geneva for a second round of nuclear talks, addressed delegates at the European headquarters of the United Nations, saying the architecture of international peace and security is facing “unprecedented pressures and complex challenges.” He cited the rise in armed conflicts, declining respect for international law, weakening multilateralism, and renewed reliance by some states on nuclear weapons as signs of a deteriorating global environment.

 

The Conference on Disarmament, established in 1978 and regarded as the sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament, brings together 65 member states, including nuclear-armed powers. Araghchi noted that more than 12,000 nuclear warheads remain worldwide, warning that the deployment and high-alert status of some arsenals—and the inclusion of potential “first use” in certain security doctrines—pose serious risks to global security and run counter to disarmament obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

 

Emphasis on Nuclear Rights Under the NPT

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that Tehran is neither seeking to produce nor acquire nuclear weapons and that such weapons have no place in Iran’s national security doctrine. He stressed that under the NPT, all member states retain the right to research, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, describing this right as “non-negotiable.”

 

According to Araghchi, any durable agreement must be based on reciprocal and balanced commitments and respect for the legitimate rights of all parties. He said Iran entered negotiations with that principle in mind and remains committed to diplomacy.

 

Criticism of the U.S. and the Fallout from the JCPOA Withdrawal

In another part of his speech, Araghchi criticized the United States’ withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), describing it as a violation of a multilateral agreement endorsed by the international community. He said the decision dealt “a profound blow” to trust in multilateral commitments and had significant economic and humanitarian consequences for the Iranian people.

 

He also referred to what he described as a “military aggression against Iran last June,” calling it inconsistent with Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force. Araghchi warned that attacks on nuclear facilities under safeguards could have far-reaching environmental and regional consequences and could be examined under international law as potential war crimes.

 

He added that responsibility for such actions would not rest solely with direct perpetrators, arguing that states providing political, military, or intelligence support could also bear responsibility under international law for aiding internationally wrongful acts.

 

Cooperation with the IAEA and Inspection Frameworks

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that the country’s nuclear program has been subject to extensive verification measures. He said engagement with the agency must remain technical, professional, and free from political pressure.

 

He further argued that attacks on safeguarded facilities have created an unprecedented situation, noting that neither the IAEA Statute nor existing safeguards agreements provide specific guidance on inspections of facilities that have been targeted in such attacks. According to Araghchi, Tehran and the agency are working on a mutually agreed framework to address the issue, and he held a technical discussion with the IAEA Director General in Geneva.

 

Regional Issues and Allegations of Double Standards

The Iranian foreign minister also criticized what he called “double standards” regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities, arguing that while some Western governments overlook perceived threats stemming from that situation, Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is portrayed as a danger to international peace and security. He referred to regional developments, including Israeli military actions and high civilian casualties in Gaza, as evidence of broader instability.

 

Ongoing Talks and Warning Over Potential Attacks

Araghchi confirmed that a second round of talks with the United States had taken place in Geneva and expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to a durable, dialogue-based solution serving the interests of the parties involved and the broader region. At the same time, he said Iran is fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or military action and warned that the consequences of any attack would “not be confined to Iran’s borders.”

 

Call to Revitalize the Disarmament Agenda

In conclusion, Araghchi urged the Conference on Disarmament to overcome its longstanding deadlock and begin negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention. He said accountability in the field of disarmament is preventive rather than punitive and warned that inaction in the face of nuclear threats and violations of international law would further erode the foundations of the global legal order.

 

This year’s session of the Conference on Disarmament is taking place amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries, regional crises, and growing uncertainty over the future of the global non-proliferation regime—an environment that also shapes the ongoing negotiations in Geneva.

 

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