- Mohsen Rezaei Says Tehran’s Nuclear Rights Must Be Recognised Before Any Talks on Its Nuclear Programme
TEHRAN – Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, has questioned whether Tehran would remain a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if the United States resumed military aggression against the country.
Speaking on Iranian state television, Rezaei suggested that a future conflict could prompt Iran to reconsider its continued participation in the international nuclear non-proliferation framework.
“At some point, they may want to start a war, and it is unclear whether we will remain in the NPT after any future war. But while we are a party to it, we have 22 rights,” he said.
Tehran Calls for Recognition of Its Nuclear Rights
Rezaei stressed that the United States must ensure Iran can exercise the rights it considers guaranteed under the NPT before substantive discussions on its nuclear programme can begin.
He maintained that any negotiations should first address Tehran’s demands for recognition of its rights under the treaty, arguing that these issues must be resolved before broader nuclear discussions can proceed.
“Then we will also say: if you want to discuss the nuclear issue, we will demand our rights first. You must first recognize our rights,” he emphasised.
Nuclear Diplomacy Amid Regional Tensions
Rezaei’s remarks underscore Tehran’s insistence that discussions concerning its nuclear programme must take account of its stated treaty rights and security concerns. They also highlight the potential implications of renewed military confrontation for Iran’s approach to international nuclear agreements.
His comments raise further questions about the future of diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington, particularly if tensions escalate and efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute through negotiations face additional obstacles.
BY: The Times Union
