Iran Asserts Unwavering Nuclear Rights Amidst Western Speculation
Iran's Firm Stance on Nuclear Enrichment
Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, has firmly stated that the nation will not yield on its rights to nuclear enrichment. He emphasized that Iran's claim to nuclear energy is firmly rooted in international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), as reported by state media on Thursday.
During a press briefing in Tehran, Baqaei dismissed what he termed unfounded rumors circulating in Western media regarding Iran's enrichment activities. He asserted that the country's rights, recognized by international law, are not open to negotiation, according to the official news agency IRNA.
Baqaei highlighted that the right to peaceful nuclear enrichment is not a privilege granted by external powers that can be revoked under duress or during conflicts.
As long as Iran remains a signatory to the NPT, he stated, it should fully enjoy the benefits outlined in the treaty.
In response to reports about discussions on enrichment during recent negotiations between Iran and the US in Pakistan, Baqaei clarified that any potential agreement would need to establish a comprehensive framework first. He noted that until broader terms are agreed upon, it would be premature to discuss specific issues, especially those related to war and peace between Iran and the United States.
Additionally, Baqaei refuted claims that Iran had diminished or ceased its support for Lebanese resistance groups. He affirmed that Iran has consistently backed what he referred to as the legitimate resistance in Lebanon, and that concluding the war there was a crucial aspect of the ceasefire discussions held in Islamabad.
He accused the opposing side, referring to Israel, of failing to uphold the ceasefire agreement from the beginning. Nevertheless, Iran remains committed to its stance and continues to address the issue through diplomatic channels.
Baqaei further explained that under any agreement, if one party fails to meet its obligations, the other party has the right to proportionately reduce its own commitments. He labeled as 'completely false' any assertions suggesting that Iran has neglected its support for resistance fronts in Lebanon despite its commitments under the ceasefire.
Regarding a European initiative to form a United Nations-led coalition for securing the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei stated that Iran, as a coastal state, along with its regional partners, is fully capable of ensuring the security of this critical waterway.
He added that historically, Iran has acted as a protector of security in the Strait of Hormuz and claimed that the only disruptions observed in the past 40 days have been due to what he described as an imposed conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Baqaei warned that any foreign interference in regional matters would only exacerbate the situation. He expressed satisfaction that several European nations have not, in his view, fallen into a trap set by the US and Israel, as reported by IRNA.
He reiterated that Iran, in collaboration with regional countries, can maintain stability in the Strait of Hormuz, provided that US involvement and what he termed warmongering in the region cease.