Iran: No Confidence in Our Nuclear Program Without Lifting US Sanctions

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed that building confidence in Iran's nuclear program is directly linked to how the sanctions imposed on Tehran are lifted, noting that these two issues have been the focus of negotiations with the United States during the last five rounds.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of a UN event in New York, Gharibabadi explained that the talks with Washington focused on two main points: the first related to measures to enhance transparency and confidence in the Iranian nuclear program, and the second on the mechanism of lifting sanctions, emphasizing that these two aspects have always been at the core of the negotiations with the Americans.

He added that the way the sanctions are lifted will determine the extent of progress possible in reaching agreements on monitoring mechanisms and confidence-building measures, pointing out that everything depends on the reciprocal steps between the two sides in this context.

He considered the file to still be purely negotiable, with all options on the table, whether regarding measures to enhance confidence or lift sanctions.

Regarding Western accusations against Iran of attempting to produce nuclear weapons, Gharibabadi described them as a "big lie," emphasizing that every country has the right to choose its developmental path, and Iran has chosen to develop advanced nuclear projects and technologies, including enrichment.

He stressed that these projects do not sit well with some international parties seeking to tarnish the image of the Iranian program, accusing them of spreading false allegations before the international community.