Tehran: Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, stated that the issue surrounding Iran's nuclear program is fundamentally political rather than legal. He emphasized that clear comments from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could have precluded the need for ongoing negotiations over Iran's peaceful nuclear ambitions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Larijani, speaking at a National Teacher Day ceremony at Shahed University in Tehran, highlighted that Iran is committed to acquiring nuclear knowledge for peaceful purposes while respecting established frameworks. He noted that other parties disregard this rationale, applying pressure on Iran and prompting questions on how to counter such tactics.

Larijani remarked that negotiation is a neutral tool that must ultimately protect Iran's interests. Without ensuring these interests, he argued, there is no reason to continue negotiations.

Addressing the sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western countries, Larijani pointed out that these sanctions extend beyond nuclear issues. He noted that U.S.-imposed sanctions date back to when Iran was a satellite state of the United States before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Following Iran's assertion of independence after the revolution, Western problems with Iran began, he added.

Larijani also commented on the resilience of the Iranian nation in the face of foreign pressures, citing Iran's rich civilization as a reason it will not yield.

He concluded by suggesting that the outcomes of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. could vary, contingent upon the rationality and fairness in addressing the international situation.