Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has shed light on Iran’s priorities ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. In an exclusive interview following the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, Araghchi discussed Iran’s expectations from the summit, the fragile ceasefire with Israel, and the prospects of resuming nuclear talks with the United States.
Emphasizing SCO’s Role in the Global South
Araghchi highlighted Iran’s strong commitment to the SCO, praising the organization’s efforts to enhance the position of Global South countries on the international stage. “We all have a genuine intention to address security, economic, and cultural issues of member states differently from how Western countries do,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude toward the SCO member states for condemning recent attacks on Iran. “We expect full political support by the SCO Summit for the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi stated.
Fragile Ceasefire with Israel
Addressing the ceasefire with Israel, Araghchi described it as “fragile” and accused Israel of unprovoked aggression against Iran. “We had no choice but to exercise our right of self-defense,” he explained. “We are fully prepared if the ceasefire is broken, but this is not our wish.”
Cooperation with the IAEA
After suspending certain cooperation following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, Araghchi affirmed that Iran would continue working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “in a new way.” He criticized the IAEA’s June report that claimed Iran breached its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, calling it a “negative role” influenced by Western pressure.
“We will remain committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and our safeguards agreement,” Araghchi said, noting that future cooperation with the IAEA would be considered “on a case-by-case basis.”
Prospects of Nuclear Talks with the U.S.
On the possibility of restarting nuclear talks with the United States, Araghchi stated that Iran is not yet convinced of the U.S.’s determination to reach a “win-win solution.” He attributed the current stalemate to the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
“Our nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and we are confident of that,” he stressed. “We are prepared to re-engage in negotiations when they put aside their military ambitions and compensate for what they have done to us.”
