Iran defends nuclear program as US and Israel vow to counter ambitions

Iran has firmly defended its nuclear activities, asserting its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a day after Israel and the U.S. pledged to stop its nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

Iran has defended its nuclear program and vowed to continue its activities despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States. Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, made this statement on Monday, February 17, following declarations from the two countries to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s nuclear activities are conducted in accordance with its rights as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). “All activities have been carried out based on Iran’s indivisible rights as a Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons member. We will absolutely not allow any leniency in this regard,” Baghaei stated, reiterating Tehran’s commitment to its nuclear program.

The remarks come after a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem. Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s determination to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions, highlighting the shared stance with the U.S. on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Rubio also accused Iran of being behind much of the instability in the Middle East, saying that the country is responsible for “everything that threatens peace and stability” in the region. 

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