Tehran, June 16, 2025 —
In a strong message to the international community amid renewed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, a senior Iranian official has stated that Iran remains open to agreements designed to prevent the development of nuclear weapons—but will not accept any deal that undermines the country’s sovereign nuclear rights.
“We are ready for any agreement aimed at preventing nuclear weapons from Iran, but if the aim of the agreement is to deny our nuclear rights, that is out of the question,” the official declared during a televised policy forum in Tehran on Monday.
The remarks come at a critical juncture, as global powers, including the United States and European Union, explore possibilities of diplomatic talks to restore a nuclear accord in the aftermath of rising hostilities between Iran and Israel. The region has been on edge since June 13, when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—targeting Iranian nuclear and military assets.
Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful and falls within its legitimate rights as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Iranian leaders argue that the Western powers have consistently tried to block Iran’s scientific and technological progress under the guise of nuclear containment.
Observers say the latest statement reflects a hardened but consistent position from Tehran. While Iran is signaling willingness to negotiate, it is drawing a clear boundary: Iran will not accept any agreement that attempts to restrict its civilian nuclear energy development or uranium enrichment levels that fall within international legal limits.
Western nations, on the other hand, have expressed concern over Iran’s enrichment activities, especially in light of recent intelligence indicating that Iran’s nuclear capability may be closer to weapons-grade than previously believed.
Meanwhile, diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes. Reports suggest that backdoor communications are underway between Tehran and Washington, possibly with the support of Qatar or Oman, to reduce tensions and avoid a full-scale conflict in the region.
With both sides holding firm to their positions, the path forward appears challenging. However, today’s remarks reaffirm that Iran is not closing the door to diplomacy—so long as its sovereignty and nuclear rights remain intact.
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