Iran will not halt nuclear enrichment programnme: Iran's envoy to UN

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has declared that the country will not stop its uranium enrichment programme, describing it as a "legitimate right" under international law, reports BBC.

In an interview with CBS News on Sunday (29 June), Ambassador Amir-Saeed Iravani said Tehran remains firm in its commitment to nuclear enrichment, despite international concerns and rising tensions in the Middle East.

"Nuclear enrichment is our right. It is an integral and legitimate right, and we are committed to implementing it," Iravani said. He insisted that the programme is intended solely for peaceful energy purposes and falls within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The comments come amid renewed tensions between Iran and Israel, following a series of Israeli airstrikes. Addressing the deteriorating diplomatic environment, Iravani stated, "No suitable environment has been created for talks after this aggression. There is no request for a meeting with the president."

While affirming Iran’s openness to dialogue, Iravani criticised what he called "pressure-based" diplomacy. "Imposing pressure for talks in the name of unconditional surrender is unacceptable. This is not a dialogue, but an attempt to impose a political strategy," he said.

The Iranian envoy also addressed concerns surrounding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), rejecting claims that Tehran had threatened the organisation’s inspectors. "The Iranian government has not made any threats to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi or the agency’s inspectors," he said.

However, Iravani acknowledged that some Iranian officials have accused IAEA personnel of allegedly assisting Israel in justifying its recent military actions.

IAEA inspectors are currently in Iran, but reports suggest they have been restricted from accessing key nuclear facilities.