Iran says its right to peaceful nuclear energy is 'inherent, non-negotiable, legally binding', cannot be suspended

New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- Even as Iran and the United States hold negotiations for resolving the nuclear stalemate, Tehran said its right to peaceful nuclear energy is ''inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding'' and cannot be suspended.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) explicitly recognises the ''inalienable right'' of all States Parties to develop research, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

''This right is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding. It is not conditional upon political considerations, nor can it be suspended or reinterpreted arbitrarily. Any attempt to portray this right as revocable or discretionary fundamentally contradicts the letter and ...