Iran’s top nuclear official has stated that Iran will remain independent and refuse to bow to external pressure regarding its nuclear program, further cementing Tehran’s position of independence amid growing diplomatic tensions and failed negotiations with Western powers.
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated at a press conference held at AEOI headquarters that Iran will progress in accordance with national interests and scientific progress without external influence.
“No one can dictate our path. Our nuclear program is peaceful, legal and irreversible,” Eslami stated. “Our strategic decisions reflect both Iranian nationalism and people will, rather than threats or coercion.”
Remarks were delivered in response to increased criticism from both the United States and European Union regarding Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium, which has apparently exceeded levels agreed upon under the now-defunct 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran is reported as enriching up to 60% purity uranium — far above the JCPOA cap of 3.67% purity but below weapons-grade levels usually considered 90% purity.
Eslami underscored Iran’s opposition to any plans of building nuclear weapons and that such activities are forbidden under Iran’s religious and strategic principles. Iran does not pursue nuclear arms based on fatwas issued by religious scholars, moral stance or ethical considerations of our leadership,” Eslami stressed.
Iran’s nuclear chief lashed out against what he described as Western hypocrisy, accusing countries such as the U.S. of employing double standards when it comes to nuclear capabilities and nonproliferation policies.
“These countries with thousands of nuclear warheads are lecturing us on peaceful nuclear energy,” Eslami stated. “This isn’t about non-proliferation; this is about control and political leverage.”
Negotiations efforts aimed at renewing the JCPOA have remained frozen for months. European intermediaries’ attempts to revive indirect talks between Tehran and Washington via indirect talks failed to make significant headway; Iran demanded full lifting of sanctions and guarantees from future U.S. administrations not withdrawing from the deal while Washington insisted upon stricter oversight and additional commitments from Tehran.
Iran has made great efforts to expand its nuclear infrastructure despite diplomatic tension, unveiling new centrifuge arrays and ramping up production at underground Fordow and Natanz facilities. According to reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), however, limited access was given to inspectors, leaving Western capitals alarmed about past nuclear activities by Iran.
Responding to questions regarding his concerns, Eslami accused the IAEA of politicization. He claimed they are cooperating within their legal obligations while refusing politically-motivated inspections from this body.
Iran appears to be adopting a strategy of asserting autonomy while keeping diplomatic channels open on its terms. Eslami noted that Iran remained “open to fair and respectful dialogue”, yet would reject any deal that undermines its sovereignty.
As regional tensions escalate and prospects for renewed negotiations remain unclear, Iran has sent out a clear signal: they won’t cede to external pressure to compromise on their nuclear independence.