Iran may reconsider its ban on acquiring nuclear weapons if Western sanctions are reimposed, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with The Guardian. This comes ahead of discussions with Britain, France, and Germany about Iran’s nuclear program.
The European powers, along with the U.S., have recently pushed for Iran to be censured by the UN atomic watchdog, prompting Tehran’s defiant response. Despite this, Iran has shown some willingness to engage, especially with the anticipated return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who previously pursued a “maximum pressure” strategy against the country.
Iran maintains that its nuclear energy pursuits are for peaceful purposes, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60%, the highest level ever recorded by a non-nuclear state. Araghchi emphasized that while Iran has no intention to enrich uranium beyond 60% for now, there is growing debate within the country about whether to adjust its nuclear policy, especially as sanctions relief under the 2015 nuclear deal has not fully materialized.
The nuclear deal was intended to ease sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. However, following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under Trump, Iran scaled back its compliance, increasing uranium enrichment levels. The 2015 agreement limits Iran’s enrichment to 3.67%, but it will expire in 2025.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a religious fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons, though the ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions could push Iran to reconsider its stance. The upcoming talks are seen as a critical moment for Tehran’s nuclear future.
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