‘Nuclear issue is an excuse’: Araghchi says US opposes Iran’s ideology

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of using Tehran’s nuclear programme as an “excuse” for its opposition to Iran, arguing that Washington’s real objection is to the Islamic Republic’s ideology and resistance to American dominance in the Middle East."The nuclear issue is an excuse; what the Americans oppose and do not accept is Iranian ideology. They completely reject the Iranian perspective, which emphasises confronting American dominance and not surrendering to its power. This is the same thinking that has led to the formation and emergence of the resistance in our region," Araghchi said in an interview with Iraq’s Al-Ikhbariya network, carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.He added that Iran had previously reached an international nuclear agreement that was welcomed by the global community, but the US withdrew from it without providing evidence to justify its decision.“Americans know very well that they cannot achieve any of their goals through war,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran’s readiness was the main deterrent against Washington starting another conflict.Araghchi says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US meets conditionsOn the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said maritime traffic would continue to face restrictions until Washington accepted Tehran’s conditions and fulfilled its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).“Our position on the Strait of Hormuz is clear and unambiguous; we have previously announced and emphasised it,” he said, adding that the US must accept Iran’s conditions before the strait can reopen to ships and vessels.Araghchi stressed that Tehran wanted Washington to honour its existing commitments before the two sides entered into negotiations on other issues.“What we want from the American side is adherence to all the commitments contained in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding that was signed earlier,” he said. “After they adhere to these commitments, we can enter into negotiations on other cases.”The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over the implementation of the 14-point Islamabad MoU, signed in June to end hostilities and pave the way for further negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme.The breakdown of the agreement has been followed by renewed fighting, including US strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian attacks on American bases across the Gulf.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.