Iran Criticizes Double Standards on Nuclear Concerns, Calls Oversight of Israel’s Arsenal ‘Unacceptable’
Iran has criticized what it perceives as a double standard within the international community concerning nuclear weapons. Iranian officials described as "unacceptable" the actions of Western nations, which they claim focus on alleged issues with Iran's peaceful nuclear energy program, while allegedly ignoring the extensive nuclear arsenal reportedly maintained by the Israeli regime.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered an extensive address at the Fourth Round of Iranian-Arab Dialogues conference held in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.
The senior diplomat emphasized that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy initiatives are peaceful and legitimate, contrasting them with the nuclear arsenal reportedly held by the Israeli authorities.
He reiterated that Iran does not aim to acquire nuclear weapons and emphasized that weapons of mass destruction are not part of the nation’s security strategy.
The foreign minister emphasized the country’s role as a pioneer in establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Asia and urged Western nations to discard their double standards on the issue of nuclear proliferation.
Iran remains dedicated to the global non-proliferation framework, as articulated by Araghchi. He criticized Western nations and their allies for their longstanding tendency to unjustly raise concerns about Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy initiatives, all the while ignoring the nuclear capabilities of Israel.
For decades, the United States, alongside its European allies and other global partners aligned with Washington, have utilized claims regarding Iran’s pursuit of non-conventional weaponry as a basis to implement or incite policies against Iran, including the imposition of sanctions and the perpetuation of critical rhetoric.
Iran’s leadership has unequivocally dismissed any such pursuits, citing moral and religious principles as the basis for their decision.
Iran’s stance on not pursuing, developing, or stockpiling nuclear weaponry has been consistently confirmed through inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), establishing it as the most scrutinized member of the United Nations’ nuclear oversight body.
Israel Considered Major Threat to Regional Stability
Highlighting concerns over Israel’s nuclear weapons program and its activities in West Asia, the official stated, “The presence of the Zionist regime continues to pose the most significant threat to regional peace.”
He criticized the United States for its steadfast and significantly increasing support of the regime, labeling Washington as a collaborator in the regime’s alleged atrocities, which reportedly include acts of violence and injustice against Palestinians.
The foreign minister characterized the regime’s persistent genocidal actions and other aggressive tactics as an overt effort to obliterate the Palestinian nation.
He stated that such a scenario would result in the total colonial erasure of the Palestinian nation, characterized by the most horrific violence and forced displacement.
He referred to the “two-state solution” as a myth perpetuated to postpone the fulfillment of Palestinian rights over the years, highlighting that the regime had already dismissed even that possibility.
**Iran-US Negotiations: Clarification on Nuclear Entitlements**
As the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States was poised to commence the next day, Araghchi stated, “We intend to pursue our dialogues with the United States — while simultaneously engaging with Europe, Russia, and China — with sincerity and good faith.”
He emphasized that the primary aim of these discussions—preventing Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons—had already been accomplished.
An official reiterated a firm stance, asserting that Iran would not capitulate if efforts were made to undermine its legitimate nuclear rights or impose unrealistic demands. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will never, under any circumstances, surrender any of the legitimate rights of the proud Iranian nation,” the official declared.
In related remarks, he emphasized that Iran’s entitlement to peaceful nuclear energy, encompassing enrichment, remains non-negotiable.
**Advancing Regional Cooperation: The Way Forward**
Araghchi emphasized the critical role of regional convergence as a pivotal strategy for the progression of Western Asian countries.
He urged for enhanced trust-building and mutual understanding, promoting collaborative initiatives in fields such as cultural exchange, commerce, and tourism.
Araghchi emphasized that regional prosperity hinges not on the ascendancy of individual dominant nations, but rather on the collective success and strength of the region as a whole.
