US is Greatest Threat to Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Iran Blasts Washington
Iran's Foreign Ministry warns that US strike threats encourage NPT violations and vows to strengthen defense capabilities.
In a scathing critique of American foreign policy, Iran has labeled the United States the single most significant danger to the global nuclear non-proliferation threat landscape. This reaction comes as Tehran responds to recent threats from Washington regarding potential strikes on Iran's remaining nuclear facilities.
Tehran's Warning on Global Stability
During a press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserted that the United States is actively undermining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). According to Baghaei, the mere act of threatening a sovereign nation—and the implicit suggestion that specific weapons might be used—serves as an encouragement for countries to violate the treaty.
Baghaei expressed deep regret over the perceived silence of the international community. He specifically pointed to the United Nations, the Security Council, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arguing that their failure to condemn US hostile rhetoric sets a perilous international precedent.
"The threats being raised against us will surely make us more determined to strengthen our capabilities in our own defence," Baghaei emphasized.
Nuclear Doctrine and the 'Big Lie'
When questioned about whether Iran might shift its nuclear doctrine in response to military pressure, Baghaei described the ongoing internal discussions among Iran's elite and public as a natural reaction. He cited years of American pressure and the targeted assassinations of figures tied to the country's nuclear program as the primary drivers of this debate.
Baghaei maintained that Iran's nuclear program remains strictly peaceful, a claim he insists has been proven repeatedly. He dismissed US allegations that Iran possesses nuclear weapons as a "big lie" that has been repeated for two decades, suggesting that Washington is living in a dream state.
Despite the tension, Baghaei confirmed that Tehran's official stance remains unchanged for the moment. He stated that Iran continues to be a member of the NPT and considers itself bound by the obligations of the treaty.
Clash with the IAEA
The Iranian spokesperson also rejected calls from IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for immediate renewed inspections of nuclear sites. Baghaei accused the global watchdog of bias, claiming the agency has failed to condemn previous attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
He asserted that the IAEA has "many debts" to settle with Iran before discussing future inspections, specifically citing the agency's failure to take a stand against "criminal and illegal" actions by the US and the "Zionist regime" regarding attacks on nuclear facilities. Baghaei claimed these failures have severely tarnished the IAEA's credibility.
Trump Defends Military Action
These developments follow comments from US President Donald Trump, who defended American military actions against Iran. Speaking at a rally in Iowa ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, Trump claimed that his interventions were necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Addressing the economic fallout and the subsequent rise in oil prices caused by the conflict, Trump dismissed the financial burden as a "very small price to pay" for the security of the United States and the rest of the world.
Tehran has made it clear that any future discussions regarding nuclear steps are strictly contingent on Washington meeting Iran's initial demands through mediated negotiations.