Iran’s Foreign Minister Rejects Threats, Upholds Nuclear Program Sovereignty

[Mudhab]

Iran's top diplomat sharply rebuked the United States on Sunday, asserting that Tehran will not be intimidated by the recent deployment of American naval forces to the region. The statement signals a firm stance against mounting external pressure.

Speaking at a high-profile forum in Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran has no intention of scaling back its nuclear ambitions. In particular, he highlighted the country's uranium enrichment programme as central to its strategic interests.

The comments came shortly after a significant diplomatic engagement in Oman, where Araghchi met indirectly with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for US President Donald Trump. The meeting aimed to discuss regional tensions and nuclear concerns.

Following these indirect talks, Witkoff visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier currently stationed nearby as part of a broader American military buildup. The deployment reflects growing US concerns over Iran's nuclear trajectory.

Despite these moves, Araghchi dismissed the naval activities as largely symbolic and ineffective. He argued that military presence alone would not alter Iran's policies or deter its nuclear program.

"Their military deployment in the region does not scare us," the Foreign Minister stated firmly. He stressed that Iran views its nuclear programme as a matter of national sovereignty, not a negotiable issue in international talks.

By framing the nuclear issue as a sovereign right, Araghchi reinforced Iran's position on the global stage. The comments underline a persistent tension between Washington's strategic pressure and Tehran's resolve to pursue its nuclear goals independently.

Source: