In comments at a meeting entitled ‘Book and Diplomacy’, held on the sidelines of Tehran International Book Fair on Thursday, Araqchi stressed that the Foreign Ministry will never back off from upholding the Iranian people’s nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment.
“Enrichment is among our principles and stances which we won’t abandon,” he stated.
The minister noted that Iran is prepared for trust-building and transparency over its nuclear program, although it won’t give up enrichment.
Describing the removal of sanctions as another purpose of the talks, Araqchi said Tehran is ready to build trust in exchange for the removal of sanctions.
The foreign minister stated that the nuclear negotiators are empowered by the Iranian Armed Forces, adding that the country’s defense and missile capabilities encourage the negotiators.
He also deplored the contradiction between the US representatives’ comments in the media and at the negotiating table.
Araqchi said the contradictory stances adopted by the US may arise from Washington’s lack of concentration or constitute a style of talks.
Iran’s style of negotiations is insistence on its principles and fundamental stances that have been declared both in the media and at the negotiating table, he underlined.
Iran and the US have held four rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman, with the purpose of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.