“We have no desire to obtain nuclear weapons, as this matter is rooted in our beliefs,” Araghchi said in an interview with Egypt’s Al-Nile News Network during his visit to Cairo on June 1.
“It goes back to the fatwa of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, who declared possessing such weapons as haram (forbidden). And since we are a religious nation, deviating from this fatwa is impossible for us,” he added.
He noted that Tehran continues to engage in dialogue and nuclear negotiations to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. “And if there are questions or concerns, we are ready to address them through confidence-building,” he said.
Araghchi said that Iran will continue pursuing diplomacy. "Iran remains capable of demonstrating its goodwill and is prepared to take steps toward rebuilding trust.”
“This will nullify one of the most significant claims made by the Zionist regime,” Araghchi noted. “We are fully aware that the Zionist regime possesses dozens of nuclear warheads, yet it accuses Iran of seeking nuclear arms. But our position is clear: our nuclear program is peaceful and poses no threat to any party or country.”
Touching on recent developments in the Red Sea, Araghchi linked the events to regional dynamics. “What is happening in the Red Sea is, in fact, the support of the Yemeni people for Gaza,” he said.
“According to the information we have, the ships targeted in the Red Sea were either Israeli-owned or heading toward Israeli destinations,” he added.
He also noted a temporary ceasefire between Yemen’s Ansarullah movement and the United States, which he said has resulted in “relative stability in the region.”
“Undoubtedly, the root cause of all the problems in the region is the Zionist regime,” he stated, adding, “What we are witnessing in the Red Sea is one of the many consequences of the crimes this regime commits against the Palestinian people.”
Relentless Israeli bombardment and siege have left at least 54,381 Palestinians martyred and more than 124,054 injured in the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities.
Araghchi also reaffirmed Iran’s determination to foster strong and constructive relations with neighboring and regional countries, particularly Arab states.
“However, there is a reality we must acknowledge—the influence of Zionist regime propaganda and policies, which aim to portray Iran as a regional threat instead of themselves,” he noted.
“In fact, it is the Zionist regime that poses a genuine threat to the entire region,” he added.
Describing Arab countries as “friends and neighbors” and, more importantly, as “Muslim brothers,” Araghchi said the foreign policy of Iran’s current administration is firmly rooted in the principle of good neighborliness and in strengthening regional cooperation.
Tehran will soon respond
Iranian Foreign Minister said Tehran will soon respond to a recent US proposal, stressing that the reply will align with Iran’s national interests.
The US and Iran have held five rounds of nuclear talks since April 12 and are expected to meet again for negotiations aimed at reaching a new agreement. The two countries have been at odds over the level of uranium enrichment.
The foreign minister reiterated that Iran has always emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and regards nuclear weapons as forbidden.
He criticized the latest IAEA report, stressing that the report was unfair, and Tehran is concerned about the politicization of the agency's activities. "However, we are ready to address concerns through dialogue."
Press TV/MNA