Iran’s pledge under JCPOA of no nuclear arms remains in effect: FM
5 Min Read
The Iranian FM says that even a decade after the JCPOA’s signing and seven years after the US unilaterally exited the agreement, there is no evidence that Iran has violated this commitment.
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart following their talks in Yerevan on March 25, 2025 (AFP)
Despite Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, the United States continues to benefit from a key Iranian commitment under the deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed out on Tuesday.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Araghchi pointed out that Iran’s pledge under the nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), remains in effect.
"Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons."
He noted that, even a decade after the JCPOA’s signing and seven years after the US unilaterally exited the agreement, "there is not ONE SHRED OF PROOF that Iran has violated this commitment."
Citing a recent assessment by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, Araghchi stressed that Iran has upheld its obligations under the deal.
POTUS may not like the 2015 nuclear deal. But it contains one vital commitment by Iran which remains in place, and which even the US—being out of the deal—has benefited from:
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 1, 2025
"Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear…
The top Iranian diplomat reiterated that diplomacy has worked in the past and remains the only viable path forward. He warned that there is no such thing as a “military option” when dealing with Iran’s nuclear program, let alone a "military solution".
"It should be clear to all that there is—by definition—no such thing as a "military option" let alone a "military solution"," he said.
Araghchi also pointed to past US interventions in the region, which have cost over $7 trillion, as clear evidence of the failures of military escalation.
"Catastrophic failures in our region which have cost prior US administrations MORE THAN 7 TRILLION DOLLARS are ample evidence."
Iran urges IAEA to take position against threats to nuclear facilities
In a related context, Iran has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take a clear stance against threats to its nuclear facilities following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, in which he warned of potential military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Press TV reported.
The demand was conveyed during a phone call on Tuesday between Araghchi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Araghchi briefed Grossi on the latest diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to cooperating with the UN nuclear watchdog. He emphasized that the IAEA must adopt a transparent position regarding the continued threats against Iran’s nuclear sites.
Trump stated that he could authorize military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure if Tehran refused to negotiate a new agreement with Washington.
During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and launched a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. Since returning to the White House for a second term in January, he has reinstated that policy while also signaling a willingness to pursue a new deal to replace the JCPOA.
Iran has strongly condemned Trump’s threats. Last month, the US president sent a letter to Iran proposing negotiations for a new agreement and warning of military action if Tehran refused.
Tehran has ruled out direct talks under pressure and threats, citing Washington’s history of violating international commitments. However, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that Iran had responded to Trump’s letter and was open to indirect negotiations, adding that the US' approach would determine the course of discussions.
US intelligence agencies have said that "Israel" may launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure this year. Recent assessments caution that such an escalation could ignite a broader regional conflict and endanger US military assets.
Washington believes "Israel" lacks the military capability to target Iran’s nuclear and missile programs independently and has been seeking US involvement in a confrontation with Tehran.
During his call with Grossi, Araghchi warned that Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its nuclear facilities in light of ongoing threats.
On his part, Grossi stated that he would engage with relevant parties to create a conducive environment for resolving the situation. He also requested a visit to Iran, which Araghchi agreed to in principle.
Iran warns US, 'Israel': Any attack to compel nuclear bomb production
On Monday, Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei, warned that any US or Israeli attack on Iran under the pretext of its nuclear program would force Tehran to move toward producing a nuclear bomb.
The attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities does not serve American interests, Larijani stated, declaring, “In such a case, we would be compelled to take another path that could create a secondary justification for acquiring nuclear weapons.”
Larijani further asserted that if Iran were attacked, the Iranian people would "push for an accelerated development of nuclear weapons." He clarified that any strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities would not hinder the country’s progress for more than two years, given Tehran’s precautionary measures.
Moreover, he referred to external analyses indicating attempts to create unrest within Iran in conjunction with external pressure.
Larijani also dismissed Trump’s military threats, arguing that they contradict his self-description as a "president seeking peace."
“Trump’s actions have become a global issue, and while we believe he may attempt an uncalculated move, our military forces remain on full alert,” he indicated.
Read more: Iran says no talks under pressure, ready for confrontation: Exclusive
