Objective of Negotiations, to Maintain Nuclear Achievements

I will begin with this question from the critics: what is the objective behind the negotiations? The answer is that the objective is to guarantee the peacefulness of Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions and normalization of Iran’s nuclear dossier. Its title is not important; whether it is win-win or max-mini. The reason is that we do not seek to build nuclear weapons. There is the fatwa of the Supreme Leader in this regard and the fact that nuclear weapons have no place in our defense doctrine. Of course, the guarantee that we are going to give to the other party is within the framework of respect to our territorial integrity. We do not attempt to be secretive. We have, many times, stated that the sanctions are oppressive and illegal and that they must be lifted. Thus, we believe that this can be done.

The other point is that it is natural that we are in a process of give and take. We should not assume that the final document or the comprehensive agreement will provide all our views. The art is that within the framework of the defined red lines we act in a way which would safeguard our national and nuclear interests. This is a game which in our opinion is a win-win game. Now, the other party may claim that they have prevented Iran’s access to nuclear weapons. Ok, let them have such an interpretation, but we know better what we want and what we seek. We seek nuclear energy for its peaceful uses.

During the course of the next two months, we will be faced with difficult and complicated negotiations. We believe that reaching an agreement is possible but nothing is certain. As it was said, solutions were found in Lausanne. But it cannot be stated with certitude that these solutions will lead to an agreement at the end of June. It depends on the game which the other party may play. It might intend to negotiate about issues which they have not yet been able to achieve thus far. Our eyes are open and we look at the issues with the utmost care. It is not right to say that the objective is to reach an agreement. We do not accept to reach an agreement under any condition. We will continue this path with open eyes and with the support of the Supreme Leader, the President and the people and we believe that reaching an agreement is possible if the other party does not have excessive demands.

I must express my gratitude to the critics and those who give new proposals. Numerous sessions were held during the past few weeks with them and their criticisms and proposals were helpful. We can use them in our future negotiations.

Some say that the Lausanne Statement has prepared the ground for a military strike and the usage of force. This is really insulting. This means that our Foreign Minister has accepted a text which prepares the ground for a military strike!! This is unfair. Please read this statement one more time. Do not base the US factsheet as proof. One cannot say why the US published this factsheet after the Geneva Agreement. This issue was even criticized inside the US. What we achieved in Lausanne was the framework of solutions and we do not accept that this statement was against the security of the country and our territorial integrity.  

The other point is that we only negotiate on nuclear issues. The sanctions that are discussed are also related to this matter because all resolutions of the Security Council from 1696 to 1929 are related to the nuclear issue. Naturally, there are sanctions that are adopted by the US and Europe which are related to terrorism and human rights and are out of the Security Council about which we have not negotiated and do not intend to negotiate in the future. The criticism of some who say that since the discussion is about the nuclear issue, all sanctions must be lifted then the other party may say that ok let us now talk about human rights issues in Iran. We do not allow them to enter such discussions or the issues that are not related to the nuclear dossier. Therefore, I would like to clarify that all sanctions that are related to the nuclear issue and are adopted by the US, the European Union and the Security Council will be lifted.

The other question is whether we will leave Chapter 7 or not? It should be mentioned that in order for the past resolutions to be annulled, a new resolution under Chapter 7 must be adopted. But this resolution must be adopted under Article 41 of Chapter 7. In Article 41, using force is not mentioned. Thus, within the framework of this article a new resolution is needed for the abolition of the previous resolutions. If such a resolution is not adopted under Article 41, the other party may not fulfill its commitments. In other words, a resolution under the item of Iran Prohibition will no longer exist. It was under this item that the Security Council had adopted many resolutions against us. The new resolution will clearly state that this item is closed. This is a big achievement and the new item will be based on the implementation of the comprehensive agreement. We believe that this path will ultimately lead to the removal of this item from the Security Council’s agenda and the normalization of Iran’s nuclear dossier.

The last point is about research and development. It is not right to say that we will renegotiate after ten years. If we reach an agreement, then you will see that we will have no further negotiations. We are honest with our people.