Synopsis
In a recent statement, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref indicated that while negotiating with US President Trump is not ruled out, it is not a priority for Iran right now. The country remains committed to its defense strategies and nuclear non-proliferation, as highlighted by officials amidst renewed US pressure.Key Takeaways
- Iran's meeting with Trump is not a priority
- Stable defense strategies are in place
- US maximum pressure campaign is deemed ineffective
- Commitment to the NPT remains strong
- No plans for nuclear weapons development
Tehran, Feb 5 (NationPress) The First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, stated on Wednesday that while it’s not entirely out of the question to meet and negotiate with US President Donald Trump, it is currently not on Iran's agenda, as reported by the official news agency IRNA.
Aref emphasized that Iran's strategies, particularly in the defense sector, are consistent and enduring. He remarked to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting that a fatwa, or religious decree, prohibits the use of nuclear technology for non-peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, mentioned during the cabinet meeting that the recently reinstated maximum pressure campaign by the United States against Tehran is destined to fail once more, according to IRNA.
Araghchi stated, “The maximum pressure has proven to be a failed strategy, and attempting it again will only lead to further defeat.” He added that if the primary concern is preventing Iran from seeking nuclear weapons, this is an attainable goal.
He reiterated that Iran is a dedicated participant in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and that its stance on the matter is unequivocal, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, on the same day, Mohammad Eslami, the President of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, confirmed that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and will not pursue such plans in the future, according to IRNA.
Eslami stated that Iran’s peaceful nuclear program operates under the guidelines of the safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the NPT.
On Tuesday, prior to a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump took executive action to reinstate the maximum pressure campaign aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump declared to reporters in the Oval Office while signing the document, “We’re going to ensure they cannot develop a nuclear weapon while I’m in office. It’s very straightforward. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He expressed hope that this move will pave the way for a negotiated agreement with Tehran.
Iran had entered a nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with global powers in July 2015, agreeing to limitations on its nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.
However, the United States exited the deal in May 2018, reimposing sanctions, which led Iran to reduce some of its nuclear commitments.
Discussions aimed at reviving the JCPOA began in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria, but despite numerous negotiation rounds, no significant advancements have been reported since the last talks in August 2022.
