Iran FM: Nuclear weapons contrast with our religious beliefs, policies

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Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that nuclear weapons have no place in the Islamic Republic’s doctrine and contrast with the country's religious beliefs and policies.

In a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Amir-Abdollahian discussed developments in the international arena, including the recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the Iran nuclear deal and sanctions on Tehran.

In response to Guterres’ call for an agreement in Vienna, Amir-Abdollahian referred to the recent fatwa (Islamic decree) issued by Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei that forbids Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

In this regard, Amir-Abdollahian said that nukes have no place in Iran’s doctrine, and they contrast the country’s religious beliefs and policies.

The international nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) is the result of a balance; however, some countries have a selective approach toward it, he added.

Iran believes that some of the NPT's aspects, which have not been implemented, like nuclear disarmament and the Middle East free of nuclear weapons, should be paid attention to, Amir-Abdollahian added, noting that Iran, as a country initiating the idea of a nuke-free Middle East, declares its readiness to have constructive cooperation in this regard.

Read more: Iran: When there is political will, nuclear disarmament is possible

Regarding the Vienna talks, he said that Iran wants to reach a durable agreement, mentioning that the talks are being held with seriousness, but their outcomes depend on whether the United States really wants to reach a deal.

Amir-Abdollahian also noted Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and advised the agency to stay away from political unconstructive matters and fully resolve issues through a technical path.

On his part, the UN chief said that the JCPOA revival talks are of foremost importance, stressing the need for the parties to be more flexible for the purpose of successful talks.

Guterres also highlighted the importance of nuclear disarmament to avoid horrifying incidents like the US bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 which killed up to 226,000 people.

Guterres and Amir-Abdollahian both expressed concern over the Israeli aggression on Gaza and urged a stop to the Israeli killings there.

They also discussed Yemen and the two-month ceasefire which was extended till August 2, and Guterres thanked Iran's efforts to help extend the truce.