Amirabdollahian made the remark during a phone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, as the two discussed international developments including the latest Israeli aggression on Gaza and the ongoing talks in Vienna to revive the Iran nuclear deal and remove sanctions on Tehran.
In response to Guterres’ call for an agreement in Vienna, the top Iranian diplomat referred to a fatwa (Islamic decree) issued by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei that bans the use of nuclear weapons.
Amirabdollahian added that nukes have no place in Iran’s doctrine and are in contrast with the country’s policies and religious beliefs.
He also said that the world today is facing fragile and sensitive conditions when it comes to global peace and security.
He added that the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty is the result of a balance, but some countries have a selective approach toward it.
The Iranian foreign minister said that his country believes some aspects of the NPT, which have not been implemented such as nuclear disarmament and a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, should be paid due attention.
Amirabdollahian added that the Islamic Republic, as a country initiating the idea of a nuke-free Middle East, announces its readiness to have constructive cooperation in this regard.
On the Vienna talks, he said that Iran is serious to reach a strong and durable agreement, adding that the talks are being held with seriousness but their results depend on the US that whether it really wants to reach an agreement and shows the necessary flexibility.
Amirabdollahian also referred to Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying that the country continues its cooperation with the agency, but the IAEA should stay away from political unconstructive matters and fully resolve safeguard issues through a technical path.
The UN chief, on his part, said that the JCPOA revival talks are of paramount importance and that he has stressed the need for more flexibility by the parties to the talks.
He also highlighted the importance of nuclear disarmament to prevent horrific incidents like the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 that killed up to 226,000 people altogether.
Further in their conversation, Guterres and Amirabdollahian expressed concern over the escalation in Gaza and called for an immediate stop to the Israeli aggression there.
They also discussed Yemen where a two-month ceasefire was extended for another two months on Tuesday (August 2).
The UN chief thanked Iran for its efforts to help extend the truce.
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