Iran Reaffirms Nuclear Rights as Diplomacy with US Opens “New Window of Opportunity”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear enrichment is “inherent and non-negotiable” during a speech at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, while noting that a “new window of opportunity” has emerged for diplomacy with the United States.

Addressing the plenary shortly after concluding a second round of indirect talks with US officials in Geneva, Araghchi emphasized that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) guarantees the inalienable right of states to develop and use nuclear energy.

He stated, “This right is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding. It cannot be conditioned on political considerations or arbitrarily suspended.” He reiterated that nuclear weapons have “no place” in Iran’s security doctrine, citing religious restrictions and a defensive policy prohibiting weapons of mass destruction, and stressed that lasting agreements require “mutual balanced commitments.”

The minister credited regional partners, particularly Oman, for facilitating renewed dialogue, saying, “A new window of opportunity has opened,” and expressing hope that negotiations would lead to a sustainable, negotiated solution.

Araghchi also sharply criticized Western powers, notably the US, for withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and for the June military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, describing the attacks as “war crimes” and accusing the US of colluding with Israel unprecedented 2025 military strikes, noting discussions with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi to develop a “mutually agreed framework” for inspections that accounts for the current state of installations.

He concluded by urging the Conference on Disarmament to overcome its long-standing paralysis and negotiate a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention, warning: “The choice before us is clear. Either we dismantle nuclear weapons, or they will one day dismantle us.”