Iran has expressed readiness to pursue a “peaceful” nuclear agreement with the United States but insists it will not compromise its national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Tuesday.
Khatibzadeh’s remarks came during the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, where he said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy but accused Washington of sending mixed signals through intermediaries.
“Iran is ready for a peaceful nuclear agreement that resolves our long-standing dispute, but our national security is non-negotiable,” he stated.
The U.S., its European allies, and Israel have long accused Tehran of using its nuclear programme as a cover for developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that its nuclear efforts are purely for civilian and scientific purposes.
President Donald Trump recently said Washington is “ready to make a deal with Iran” when Tehran is prepared to do so, adding that the “hand of friendship and cooperation” remains open.
However, Khatibzadeh argued that American actions contradict such statements, pointing to U.S. involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June — after which nuclear negotiations were suspended.
“There has been betrayal of diplomacy,” he said, noting that major disagreements persist, particularly over uranium enrichment on Iranian soil — a key sticking point, as the U.S. seeks to reduce enrichment to zero to prevent potential weaponisation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final authority on the country’s foreign and nuclear policies, reiterated last week that negotiations with the U.S. under threat were off the table.
“Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons and is ready to provide assurances to the world about it. We take pride in our home-grown nuclear programme,” Khatibzadeh concluded.
