New Delhi, Feb 18 (.) Even as Iran and the United States hold negotiations for resolving the nuclear stalemate, Tehran said its right to peaceful nuclear energy is ‘’inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding’’ and cannot be suspended.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) explicitly recognises the ‘’inalienable right’’ of all States Parties to develop research, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
‘’This right is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding. It is not conditional upon political considerations, nor can it be suspended or reinterpreted arbitrarily. Any attempt to portray this right as revocable or discretionary fundamentally contradicts the letter and spirit of the Treaty,’’ he said while addressing the United Nations Plenary Meeting of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
Referring to the second round of talks with the US, Araghchi said Iran has always been prepared to engage in meaningful and results-oriented negotiations, and any sustainable agreement must ensure full recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, deliver tangible benefits, and be safeguarded against unilateral actions that undermine trust and credibility.
He said a new window of opportunity has opened under which the second round of negotiations with the US was held. He expressed hope that the talks would lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution that can serve the interests of the relevant parties and the broader region.
He, however, asserted that Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression. The consequences of any attack against Iran will not be confined to its borders, he warned.
Araghchi said that despite Iran’s demonstrated commitment to diplomacy and good-faith engagement, the conduct of the United States had ‘’seriously undermined the credibility of the negotiating process.’’
The comments by Araghchi come after both Iran and the US held their second round of indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Both sides agreed to meet for the third round. The first round was held in Muscat on February 6.
. RB 1927