Trump Questions Iran’s Resistance to Nuclear Program ‘Capitulation’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently responded to comments made by US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding President Donald Trump’s questions about Iran’s refusal to yield to American demands over its nuclear program. Araghchi stated, “Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are IRANIAN.” This remark encapsulates Iran’s pride and its perception of itself as a significant historical power deserving of respect.
US-Iran Talks and Nuclear Enrichment Issues
In the context of indirect talks between the US and Iran, progress has been indicated by both Iranian officials and the mediator Oman. However, key disputes persist, particularly concerning Iran’s insistence on enriching uranium on its territory. Uranium, when enriched to high levels, can be used for nuclear weapons, raising international concerns.
As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran asserts its right to develop nuclear energy, insisting it should not be singled out or denied technology available to other NPT members. The US acknowledges Iran’s right to civilian nuclear power but remains skeptical about its intentions regarding enrichment.
Iran’s National Pride and Sovereignty
For Iran, its nuclear program symbolizes national identity and pride. Iran, home to 92 million people with a rich 2,500-year history, views itself as a major power rather than a nation that can be easily pressured. Despite its clerical government since 1979, Iran blends nationalistic symbols with its revolutionary identity, drawing from its scientific and cultural heritage.
The desire to master nuclear technology is not just about technical skill but also about asserting Iran’s status among global powers. According to Danny Citrinowicz from the Institute for National Security Studies, the nuclear program is essential for demonstrating scientific and technological independence under pressure. Relinquishing it would be seen as surrender, which hardliners in Iran are strongly against.
Current Positions and Strategic Calculations
- Iran insists on not abandoning uranium enrichment as doing so would mean national humiliation.
- The regime may negotiate a compromise that does not involve full abandonment of enrichment, provided it leads to substantial economic or strategic gains.
- Tehran views the current US military presence as leveraging rather than preparing for an attack.
Iran’s nuclear activities, while raising alarms about potential weaponization, are framed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as not pursuing nuclear arms due to a religious edict. Nevertheless, the capability to enrich uranium provides Iran with significant strategic leverage, positioning itself as a nuclear threshold state.
Following the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran increased its uranium enrichment beyond civilian needs, signaling that the limits imposed by the agreement no longer applied. This escalation included reaching enrichment levels up to 60%, approaching weapons-grade standards of around 90%.
Consequences and Military Responses
The withdrawal from the agreement and Iran’s increased enrichment prompted aggressive reactions, culminating in an Israeli attack and American military strikes. This response led to a reassessment in Tehran of its strategic calculus, highlighting that holding nuclear capabilities does not guarantee protection from military action.
Ultimately, experts believe Iran is unlikely to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Abandoning the program could expose the country to future coercion and potential attacks, reinforcing its stance on maintaining a nuclear program.
