Tehran - Saba:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that enrichment is Iran's right and that it will not back down from it, explaining that the blood of Iranian nuclear scientists was shed for enrichment and is non-negotiable.
In a statement prior to his departure to Oman to participate in the fourth round of indirect Iran-US negotiations, Araghchi said, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA: "Enrichment is one of the achievements and prides of the Iranian people. A heavy price was paid for this enrichment, and the blood of our nuclear scientists was behind this achievement. It is certainly non-negotiable. This has been our clear position, and we have always declared it."
"With the beginning of the new era, we reaffirm that the rights of the Iranian people are fully defined, and our principles and positions regarding the nuclear program are clearly defined. These matters are not subject to discussion or negotiation. However, we are ready to build trust and transparency beyond what has been achieved so far, and we hope that the other side will also come to the negotiating table with a clear negotiating logic."
He added: "After my regional visit yesterday and consultations with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, I am leaving today to attend the next round of indirect negotiations. We held further consultations this morning in Tehran, and we hope to reach a decisive point in this round."
The Iranian Foreign Minister noted that, unfortunately, many contradictory statements are heard from the other side, both in interviews and in positions, saying, "We are witnessing contradictions both inside and outside the negotiating room, and in the media. The other side's positions are constantly changing and shifting, and this is one of the problems in the negotiations. Iran, unlike the other side, has well-known and principled positions. We have proceeded in a completely straight line, and our positions are completely clear."
Araghchi emphasized that the Iranian nuclear program has strong legal and regulatory foundations, and all its peaceful aspects have always been and will remain under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is one of the rights of the Iranian people, which may not even be negotiated or traded.
Referring to Iran's readiness to build confidence and take further steps in the field of nuclear activities, Araghchi explained that this issue has always been one of Iran's priorities and was addressed in previous negotiations. He explained that now, based on the same logic, Iran has presented the other parties with a plan that can guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. He added that they have also presented their plan, but unfortunately, contradictory ideas are being observed in this regard.
He pointed out that the Americans have contradictory positions in the negotiations, and this is one of the serious problems in the negotiations.
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