Iran (IMNA) - In a comprehensive interview with Le Monde published Thursday, Araghchi stressed that before negotiations can restart, the US must change its behavior and provide guarantees against further military strikes on Iran during the discussions.
He reiterated Iran’s consistent approach to diplomacy, stating, “Diplomatic contacts and exchanges have always been ongoing. Currently, a diplomatic hotline is being established through friendly countries or intermediaries.” Araghchi underscored that diplomacy requires reciprocity, noting, “It was the US that broke off negotiations and resorted to military action. Therefore, it is crucial for the US to accept responsibility for its mistakes and to demonstrate a clear change in behavior. We need assurances that the United States will refrain from military attacks during any future discussions.”
Araghchi highlighted the damage inflicted by US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and asserted Iran’s right to seek compensation once the full extent of the damage is assessed. He explained, “The assertion that a program has been destroyed, forcing a nation to abandon peaceful nuclear programs aimed at fulfilling energy, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and developmental needs, is a significant miscalculation.”
He further emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program, conducted under the constant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and in line with international law, represents far more than physical infrastructure. “The indomitable will of a nation that has achieved the pinnacle of scientific knowledge is not easily undermined. The IAEA’s reports have consistently confirmed that no diversion toward weapons activities has been detected in Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” Araghchi stated.
The minister pointed out that the real damage lies in the impact on the non-proliferation regime, saying, “The attack on nuclear facilities monitored by the IAEA, coupled with the failure of Western countries to condemn it, represents an assault on the foundations of international law, particularly the non-proliferation regime.”
For renewed negotiations to proceed, Araghchi insisted that the US must take responsibility for its actions toward Iran. He warned that further sanctions or military threats would jeopardize diplomatic efforts.
Addressing recent European proposals to activate the sanctions mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, Araghchi cautioned that such a move would amount to a military attack and undermine Europe’s role in discussions about Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
He also recounted recent hostile actions: On June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked attack against Iran, assassinating numerous high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. On June 22, the United States joined Israel’s aggression by attacking three Iranian nuclear facilities, violating the United Nations Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). On June 24, Israel, isolated and abandoned, declared a unilateral halt to its aggression, announced by US President Donald Trump.
This statement reflects Iran’s firm stance on diplomacy, accountability, and the protection of its sovereign rights amid escalating regional tensions.
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