Amid mounting tensions in the Gulf region, Iran has reiterated that it harbours no intention of developing nuclear weapons and does not possess weapons-grade uranium. The assurance comes in response to allegations from Israel and the United States, both of whom accuse Tehran of covertly pursuing a nuclear arsenal.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted on Saturday that Iran’s nuclear programme remains purely peaceful and within the framework of international law. He also denounced recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear research facilities, calling them "dangerously provocative" and a threat to regional stability.
“I believe we made it clear decades ago in 2003 when Khamenei rejected procurement and development of nuclear weapons, which is reflected in our approach and cooperation with the IAEA and the international community,” said Baghaei, reaffirming Iran’s long-standing position.
His remarks follow renewed claims by Israeli officials suggesting that Iran is secretly constructing nuclear facilities at undisclosed sites—claims which Baghaei dismissed as baseless and politically motivated. “Iran has never been as close as claimed by the Israeli regime to developing nuclear weapons, since Tehran has no intention of developing one, except for the enrichment which it seeks to use for civilian purposes,” he said.
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He further cited the recent statement by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, who declared earlier this month that the agency had found “no credible evidence that Iran was seeking to develop nuclear facilities”.
While defending Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful energy needs, Baghaei expressed dismay at what he termed the IAEA’s "lethargic approach" in condemning US air raids on three major nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. “Tehran was not happy with the lethargic approach of the agency in condemning the United States' attacks on its three main nuclear research sites… which threatened the safety of the entire region,” he said.
Iran, Baghaei insisted, remains a responsible party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), unlike Israel, which has not signed the accord and is widely believed to maintain a nuclear arsenal.
“Iran hasn’t and will not surrender its rightful use of nuclear energy just because the United States can twist the facts and statements of the UN watchdog to threaten the developing nations,” he said, underscoring Iran’s resistance to Western pressure.
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