Iran Asserts Legitimate Self-Defense Rights, Araghchi Communicates to E3 Officials
The initial high-level discussions between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his counterparts from the E3, alongside the European Union’s foreign policy chief, have wrapped up. Both parties have agreed to reconvene at a future date.
Reports indicate that the marathon discussions in Geneva extended for nearly three and a half hours.
Araghchi, along with a delegation of senior diplomats, convened with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to engage in discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear agenda.
Reports indicate that discussions centered predominantly on the future of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
A meeting convened at the European headquarters of the United Nations was initiated at the behest of the three European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Following the conclusion of discussions, Iran’s chief diplomat declared to reporters that Tehran will refrain from engaging in negotiations with any party as long as Israel persists in its aggression towards Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, articulated that Israel must cease its aggressive actions and alleged crimes against Iran. He emphasized that there will be no negotiations until these issues are addressed. This statement followed discussions with the foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany, and the EU’s High Representative in Geneva.
Iran has vowed to uphold its legitimate right to self-defense, expressing deep concern over the international community’s failure to denounce what it describes as Israel’s severe acts of aggression.
Araghchi reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear initiative is intended for peaceful purposes and continues to be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He emphasized that Iran is committed to ongoing dialogue with the trio of European nations and the European Union, expressing willingness to engage in another round of discussions in the near future.
In a subsequent, more detailed statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister conveyed Tehran’s significant concerns during Friday’s meeting, criticizing the inaction of the three European nations in addressing and condemning the aggressive measures undertaken by the Zionist regime.
A statement highlighted that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains steadfast in asserting its rightful claim to self-defense, aiming to halt aggression and avert its resurgence decisively. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that all nations bear the obligation to denounce Israel’s military actions against Iran, holding the Zionist regime accountable for significant breaches of human rights and humanitarian laws, in addition to war crimes.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and operates under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Consequently, any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which are deemed peaceful, is regarded as a violation of international law and constitutes a criminal act.
The statement highlighted significant concern and criticism over the inability of the three countries and the European Union to denounce the attacks.
Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts, contingent upon the cessation of aggression and the aggressor being held accountable for its actions. It was explicitly stated that Iran’s defensive capabilities remain non-negotiable in this context.
Earlier in the day, Araghchi addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council, asserting Iran’s resolute commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and security with unwavering strength.
He emphasized that it is imperative for the global community, encompassing every nation and all mechanisms and institutions within the United Nations, to prioritize efforts in halting the aggressor, ending impunity, and holding those accountable for the continuous crimes and atrocities occurring in our region.
A request has been made by an individual who has spent a lifetime engaged in dialogue and diplomacy. This individual is also a veteran of the defensive efforts against Saddam’s regime, demonstrating a deep commitment to safeguarding the homeland.
