Iran Urges U.S. and Europe to Earn Its Trust

TEHRAN (Iran News) In response to questions about how Iran plans to address international concerns over its nuclear program, Araqchi stated, “It is the United States, the Europeans, and others who must provide assurances that we can exercise our right to peaceful nuclear technology without fear of bombing or attacks. We have been the target of aggression despite following all rules, and our facilities have always been under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision with no diversion toward weapons.”

He stressed that building trust is the responsibility of those who have previously undermined Iran’s security, not Tehran. “If they want us to return to diplomacy and cooperate with the IAEA, it is up to them to earn our trust,” Araqhchi said, adding that the U.S. must guarantee that negotiations or cooperation will not be met with further attacks.

Regarding the possibility of resuming talks with the United States, Araqchi said it depends entirely on Washington. “If they change their approach and are prepared for fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial negotiations, we are ready to engage. Our experience with U.S. negotiations has not been positive, as seen when the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal without justification and again disrupted discussions in 2025.”

Araqchi highlighted that an acceptable negotiation framework must recognize Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment. He pointed out that Iran has already implemented measures beyond the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Additional Protocol to ensure transparency, yet the U.S. unilaterally abandoned the 2015 agreement.

Addressing the impact of sanctions, Araqchi acknowledged the economic pressures but framed Iran’s nuclear program as a matter of national pride and dignity. “The technology was developed by our scientists at great cost, including sanctions, war, over a thousand martyrs, and targeted assassinations. We cannot abandon it; it is tied to the honor and pride of the Iranian people,” he said.

Araqchi also discussed the aftermath of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day conflict, which caused significant damage under IAEA supervision. “There is no precedent for bombing a peaceful nuclear facility. We must establish inspection protocols for such damaged facilities, and negotiations with the IAEA are ongoing to set a cooperative framework,” he explained.

On the prospect of collaboration with Japan, Araqchi noted Japan’s extensive experience with nuclear safety, including the Fukushima disaster, and expressed confidence that knowledge-sharing could be highly beneficial. He emphasized that Iran possesses the technology, skilled scientists, and technicians to continue its peaceful nuclear program, and is determined to do so.

Concerning inspections, Araqchi clarified that they are the responsibility of the IAEA and cannot resume fully until safety and security concerns are addressed. However, he reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to accept time-limited monitoring and enrichment restrictions to build confidence in its peaceful program, while maintaining that Iran will never pursue nuclear weapons. “Europe ”

Regarding bilateral relations, Araqchi praised Iran-Japan ties as long-standing, friendly, and mutually respectful. He highlighted Japan’s historical role in supporting Iran’s post-2015 nuclear deal recovery and emphasized that economic relations could quickly return to normal once sanctions are lifted.

In conclusion, Araqchi reiterated that Iran remains fully committed to its peaceful nuclear program, willing to cooperate internationally under the right conditions, and expects that trust-building measures by the U.S., Europe, and other stakeholders will pave the way for renewed diplomacy and a secure, monitored nuclear framework.