WANA (May 17) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s firm stance on its right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), during a joint meeting with the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs delegation on Friday night, hosted by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

 

Highlighting Iran’s long-standing membership in the NPT and its role as a regional advocate for a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia, Araghchi said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran entered indirect negotiations with the United States with seriousness and goodwill, and we have consistently demonstrated our commitment and resolve in a transparent manner.”

 

He emphasized that Iran is fully prepared to engage in confidence-building measures regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, but stressed that the country would not compromise on its legal right to nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment, as guaranteed by the NPT.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during a joint meeting with the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs delegation on May 17, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Referring to the significant human and economic costs Iran has borne to preserve its independence and nuclear rights, Araghchi stated, “The Iranian nation has endured decades of unlawful and cruel sanctions and has sacrificed its finest scientists in this pursuit. As a responsible and principled NPT member that considers nuclear weapons forbidden, Iran cannot accept being denied access to peaceful nuclear technology.”

 

Honoring the memory of Iran’s assassinated nuclear scientists, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s determination to advance peaceful nuclear knowledge and technology while maintaining readiness to engage constructively with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other parties to ensure transparency.

 

The foreign minister also criticized the contradictory positions of U.S. officials, noting that these mixed signals complicate the negotiation process and raise doubts about Washington’s seriousness. “The ever-changing stances and multiple spokespersons in the U.S. only increase uncertainty about their commitment to diplomacy,” he said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during a joint meeting with the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs delegation on May 17, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Araghchi further warned against the influence of external actors on U.S. policy, pointing to what he described as a coordinated effort by pro-war, anti-diplomacy forces—particularly the Israeli regime and its allies—to derail negotiations.

 

“It has become clear that warmongering circles inside the U.S. are working in coordination to undermine the talks. But this is an internal American issue and cannot justify repeated shifts in the negotiation framework that waste time and prolong the process,” he concluded.

 

The Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs is an independent international organization with a history of nearly 70 years. It aims to contribute to global peace by promoting scientific advancement and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.