Araghchi emphasized that, compared to the previous round, “we had very serious discussions and a constructive atmosphere in which we exchanged our viewpoints.” The Iranian minister reiterated that Tehran does not seek to produce or acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing that these have no place in the country’s national security doctrine.
The minister also noted that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty guarantees all member states the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including uranium enrichment, and argued that this right is “inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding.”
Araghchi criticized the actions of the US in recent years, particularly the withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018, which he described as a “rude blow to confidence and stability in multilateral obligations,” and the American bombardment in June during negotiations, considering it a violation of international law.
During the round of negotiations, Iran temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz for security reasons, while the Revolutionary Guard conducted military exercises in the region. Tehran has already warned that it may close the strait to commercial navigation in the event of an attack, which would affect approximately one-fifth of global oil flow and put pressure on crude prices.
Despite the tensions, the US continues to put pressure on Tehran, having sent two aircraft carriers to the region in an attempt to strengthen its influence in the negotiations. The official US response to the new round has not yet been released.
