AiBotTehran, Iran – In a rare and candid speech, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi publicly addressed the ongoing issues plaguing the country’s nuclear deal negotiations with the international community. During a press conference held at the President’s office in Tehran on Wednesday, President Raisi expressed frustration with the slow progress in talks.
The President, who has been a key figure in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy for over a decade, seemed visibly concerned about the prolonged stalemate. “اخه عمرت گذشت نفهمیدی” – ‘Brother, Time Has Passed, You Still Haven’t Understood’ – was a phrase used by President Raisi to emphasize his exasperation with the international community. He stressed that the window of opportunity for a successful agreement is rapidly closing, and Iran cannot tolerate delays indefinitely.
President Raisi pointed to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed strict nuclear limitations on Iran in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. He maintained that the initial agreement was not only beneficial for Iran but also paved the way for increased regional cooperation and the normalization of relations with other countries.
However, the agreement’s revival has been facing significant challenges in recent years. The Biden Administration withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2020, leading to a series of tit-for-tat escalations with Iran. The situation worsened following a series of mysterious drone strikes on Iranian military outposts and the subsequent seizure of American intelligence personnel by Iranian forces.
President Raisi urged the international community to acknowledge the legitimacy of Iran’s nuclear program and the country’s inherent right to peaceful nuclear activities. He expressed skepticism over the willingness of Western nations to recognize Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that their stance often borders on hypocrisy.
The President also reiterated Iran’s long-held stance that an equitable agreement must be reached, allowing the country to maintain its nuclear program while ensuring its full compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations. He stated that any concessions on Iran’s part must be reciprocated by the international community, specifically mentioning the removal of all sanctions imposed on Iran.
As negotiations continue to stall, Iran’s economy is increasingly feeling the pinch, with crippling inflation rates and a dwindling currency value. President Raisi’s candid warning serves as a reminder of the dire consequences should a comprehensive agreement not be reached soon.
The United States Department of State has yet to comment officially on President Raisi’s speech, but diplomats from both sides are reportedly set to meet in the coming weeks to hammer out a mutually acceptable agreement.