Tehran - BORNA - Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, asserted that while the primary conflict between Iran and the United States stems from the latter's hegemonic nature, "we can manage the relationship." He further stated that Iran's "atomic bomb" is its capability to defy great powers and maintain independence.
Speaking in an online interview, Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi initially highlighted the importance of preserving national unity.
Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Araghchi emphasized that it is entirely peaceful and consistent with Iran's legal rights. He pointed out the country's security doctrine, which, based on a Fatwa (religious decree), excludes nuclear weapons.
Addressing the skepticism surrounding Iran's pursuit of enrichment, he stated: "My answer was that we want it because it is our right, and others say we should not have it. Our atomic bomb is the power to say no to others. This is where our power comes from."
He affirmed Iran's commitment to transparency: "I will alleviate your worry; I am ready to sit and negotiate, I will build confidence, I will show the program is peaceful, I will reach an agreement, and I will act according to the agreement. We did this. We did not leave the JCPOA; the U.S. did. We remained committed to our obligations until the last moment."
The Foreign Minister stressed that the power of the Iranian people is their ability to resist: "Iran’s atomic bomb is the ability to say no in the face of great powers. This is something that started with the Revolution and continues."
Regarding the long-standing tensions with the United States, Araghchi identified the fundamental challenge: "As long as the U.S. has a dominating characteristic, and as long as the Islamic Republic has the characteristic of not submitting to dominance, this problem between us and the U.S. will not be resolved. But I believe we can manage it."
He reiterated Iran's consistent position on diplomacy: "It has always been said that the Iranian nation does not respond to the language of force, pressure, and sanctions; but if you speak to the Iranian nation with the language of respect and act with dignity, they will respond in kind."
Araghchi, however, pointed to past negative experiences, including the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, as reasons why "There is no basis for trusting the United States."
Despite this, he confirmed Iran’s diplomatic openness: "We have repeatedly stated: if the Americans are ready to engage in serious and real negotiations for a mutually acceptable solution, from a position of equality, with a sincere approach, for a mutually beneficial agreement—not a one-sided one—based on mutual respect, we have never abandoned diplomacy."
He concluded by defining Iran’s two core principles: "We will not compromise on the rights of the Iranian people and will not tolerate dominance and bullying over the Iranian people; but we are ready for any wise solution."
End Article