Iranian Foreign Minister reiterates rejection of nuclear weapons amid ongoing talks with the US

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed his country’s rejection of nuclear weapons on Saturday, stating that Tehran agrees with the US on the unacceptability of such arms.

His remarks, broadcast by state television, came as indirect negotiations between Iran and the US continue in an effort to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

“If the problem is nuclear weapons, yes, we also consider that unacceptable… We agree with them on this point,” Araghchi said.

The two sides have held five rounds of Omani-mediated talks since April, with both acknowledging progress but remaining at odds over key issues, particularly Iran’s uranium enrichment.

While US officials view continued enrichment as a “red line,” Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy.

Western nations and Israel have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had restricted Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, but the US unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and re-imposed sanctions.

In response, Iran gradually rolled back its commitments, increasing uranium enrichment from the agreed 3.67% to 60%—close to the 90% needed for military use.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) notes that Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium to this level.

Despite Trump’s recent claim that a deal is imminent, Araghchi expressed caution, saying, “I’m not sure we’ve really reached that point”.

The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts, with the international community closely monitoring developments.

It’s worth noting that, the International Atomic Energy Agency said on Saturday that Iran has accelerated its production of 60% enriched uranium, close to the 90% level required for military use.

The agency noted that stocks reached 408.6 kg on May 17, an increase of 133.8 kg over the past three months, compared to an increase of 92 kg over the previous period.

The International Atomic Energy Agency considered that “this significant increase in Iran’s production and storage of highly enriched uranium… raises major concerns”.