WANA (May 16) – The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never pursue the development of nuclear weapons. Referring to the ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, he said: “They believe Iran has no right to enrich uranium, whereas this is the right of the Iranian people. Today, the most advanced centrifuges are being developed by the creative youth of Iran. While we will never seek nuclear weapons, we will continue to benefit from nuclear science.”

 

Qalibaf, who is currently in Indonesia to attend the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), also met with a group of Indonesian Islamic scholars and academic intellectuals on the sidelines of the summit.

 

In his remarks, Qalibaf referred to Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country — as a powerful nation. He praised Indonesia’s cultural, ethnic, and ideological diversity, and the way its educated and elite youth cooperate with one another. “In today’s world, their spirit of resistance — rooted in rationality, spirituality, and justice — is a source of pride for the Islamic world,” he said.

 

He stressed that, in current global conditions, there is no difference between Shia and Sunni or among various political groups. “We must preserve the principle of unity based on present realities. We must not doubt that the enemies of Islam — led by the criminal United States — are doing everything in their power to prevent unity among Muslims. They have always used different tactics — once it was Britain, then the Netherlands, and today it is the U.S.,” Qalibaf stated.

 

He emphasized that Muslim nations must act wisely in confronting Israel, adding: “The Americans are trying to advance and legitimize the so-called Abraham Accords. One of the honors of the Indonesian government and its 300 million Muslim citizens is that they have firmly rejected this plan and continue to do so.”

 

Qalibaf also pointed to Iran’s military advancements, stating: “We have now reached a point where, in operations such as ‘True Promise 1’ and ‘True Promise 2,’ some of the most advanced missiles were launched — all developed by scientists whose intellectual foundations were laid during the war years.”

 

He stressed that these operations were carried out in response to the Israeli regime’s aggression on Iranian territory, specifically targeting Iran’s consulate in Syria. “These responses were directed against a regime that is heavily armed and backed by NATO and numerous regional powers.”

Europe Provides 50% of Israel’s Ammunition

Qalibaf noted: “Today, 50% of the ammunition used by the Israeli regime is provided by European countries — while Ukraine is at war, they are choosing to support Israel instead. Therefore, we must not be discouraged or think we lack the capacity to resist. In aerospace science and technology, the Islamic Republic of Iran is undoubtedly among the top five countries in the world — a significant asset for the Islamic world.”

 

He continued: “Our military capability does not mean we intend to attack anyone. We will never start a war. Our defense capabilities exist solely for protection. If anyone attempts aggression against us, we will not remain silent and will definitely defend ourselves.”

 

Qalibaf also highlighted Iran’s progress in healthcare, medicine, and medical equipment, stating: “Despite the sanctions, Iran has a strong voice in nanotechnology and is among the top three countries in some areas. In the field of artificial intelligence, we have also made achievements that are a source of pride for the Islamic world.”

 

On the role of women, he said: “One of the most influential factors in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran was the active presence of women. After the Revolution, Imam Khomeini emphasized the participation of women in all fields. Prior to the Revolution, the number of women in universities was very low, but statistics today show a significant increase.”

 

Qalibaf reiterated: “Iran will never pursue nuclear weapons. The reason the United States is pushing for negotiations is because Iran now ranks among the top countries in nuclear technology. They say we have no right to enrichment — but this is the right of the Iranian nation.”

 

He added: “Today, the most powerful centrifuges are being produced by our creative youth. Iran will never seek nuclear weapons but will use this knowledge in medicine, environmental science, agriculture, and more. This is our right and we use it for our national development. We believe this capability belongs to the entire Islamic world.”

 

Qalibaf also pointed out: “Today, Iranian women have launched a campaign, donating even their gold bracelets to support the Palestinian people. Iranian women have always stood alongside men in defending the ideals of the Revolution.”

 

In this meeting, several Indonesian Islamic scholars and academic thinkers shared their concerns — particularly regarding the Muslim world — emphasizing the need to focus on Palestine, resist the crimes of the Israeli regime, and strengthen unity and cooperation among Islamic countries.

 

They also highlighted the negative impact of U.S. sanctions on some nations and called for solutions from governments — especially in the Muslim world — stressing that peace and stability are key to sustainable development.