New Delhi:
Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons because they are forbidden under Islamic law, or haram, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said on Friday, reiterating that Tehran’s nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful and humanitarian purposes.
Speaking to media, Ilahi accused international organisations of adopting “double standards” on nuclear oversight, claiming that while Iran faces strict sanctions and intense monitoring, other countries with nuclear capabilities escape similar scrutiny.
“Iran never wanted to have nuclear weapons because it is haram. At the same time, Iran wants to use nuclear energy peacefully for social and humanitarian needs,” Ilahi said. “Unfortunately, there is a double standard. Some international organisations have imposed a lot of sanctions on Iran and maintain heavy supervision over our nuclear facilities, while other countries possess nuclear power and face no such action.”
Tensions Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme
His remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following reported strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year. The issue remains deeply divisive within the United Nations Security Council.
At a nuclear non-proliferation meeting last month, Security Council members were split between those advocating the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran and others calling for their permanent removal. Some members also questioned the legality of convening meetings related to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
The agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed by Iran along with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — as well as Germany and the European Union. The deal aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.
India-Iran Relations Span Millennia
Ilahi also underlined the deep-rooted civilisational ties between India and Iran, stating that the relationship predates Islam by thousands of years.
“The history of collaboration between Iran and India goes back over 3,000 years, even before the emergence of Islam,” he said. “Iranian scholars studied India’s philosophical texts, and Indian achievements in mathematics, astronomy and medicine were deeply respected and taught in Iran.”
He added that Iran’s Supreme Leader consistently stresses the importance of strong bilateral relations with India and expressed hope for continued cooperation, particularly on strategic projects such as the Chabahar Port.
Sanctions, Economy And ‘Social Media Narratives’
Acknowledging economic challenges caused by international sanctions, Ilahi said while some Iranians are dissatisfied, the overall situation in the country remains stable.
“There is a need to distinguish between reality and imagination,” he said. “Some narratives are created by hostile media, enemies, or social media exaggeration. Yes, there are economic problems, but the situation at the moment is under control and far better than what is portrayed online.”
He added that certain groups exploit economic hardship to further their own agendas, while the broader reality inside Iran remains calm.