Iran extended an olive branch to Western leaders at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, with Vice-President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif denying Tehran’s intent to pursue nuclear weapons and expressing openness to dialogue on shared opportunities. The remarks came against the backdrop of renewed tensions following the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House.
Zarif's comments coincided with a stark warning from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Iran's increasing uranium enrichment. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi revealed that Tehran is "pressing the gas pedal" by enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, urging diplomacy to defuse the escalating crisis.
"Without dialogue between Tehran and Trump, there will be no progress," Grossi emphasized during a media panel discussion. He described such discussions as "absolutely indispensable" for de-escalation.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, urging Iran to take the first step toward better relations by clearly renouncing nuclear weapons ambitions.
Speaking at the forum, Zarif dismissed accusations that Iran seeks to develop nuclear arms and advocated for rational engagement. "We can move forward, based on opportunity rather than threats. Let's talk about that," he said. Zarif also expressed hope that Trump’s renewed term would bring a "more serious, focused, and realistic" approach to U.S.-Iran relations.
His remarks aim to calm fears of further conflict in the Middle East, particularly as concerns mount over the potential for increased U.S.-Israeli collaboration against Tehran. Iranian officials have reportedly voiced apprehensions about the possibility of Israel striking Iran's nuclear facilities under Trump's "maximum pressure" policy.
In response to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trump’s first term, Iran has been accelerating its uranium enrichment. Grossi disclosed that Tehran is now enriching uranium to 60% purity at a dramatically increased pace, producing over 30 kilograms per month compared to seven kilograms previously.
According to IAEA metrics, approximately 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to this level could potentially be further refined to create one nuclear weapon. Iran currently possesses around 200 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.
"This is a clear indication of an acceleration. They are pressing the gas pedal," Grossi said, warning of steady increases in enrichment activity in the coming months.
Despite rising tensions, Grossi suggested there might still be room for negotiation. "There seems to be a disposition from President Trump and some others in the new administration to move toward some form of agreement," he said.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and maintains it has the right to enrich uranium to any level. However, Western powers have condemned the recent escalations, calling them unjustifiable for civilian purposes and indicative of heightened risks.
As the world watches closely, the prospect of renewed dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for averting further escalation in an already volatile region.