Iran Nuclear Doctrine to Remain Unchanged Despite War Pressures

By Global Leaders Insights Team | Mar 18, 2026

Iran’s nuclear policy is unlikely to change even as tensions escalate in the Middle East conflict, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has said, reinforcing Tehran’s long-held position that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araqchi stressed that Iran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons, citing a long-standing religious directive that prohibits such arms. He added that while leadership dynamics in Iran continue to evolve, there is no clear indication that the country’s nuclear doctrine will shift in the near future.

The remarks come at a time of heightened conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, raising global concerns over regional stability and the potential for further escalation.

  • Iran says nuclear doctrine unchanged despite escalating war
  • Araqchi rejects nuclear weapons claims amid US-Israel conflict
  • Tehran calls for new Hormuz protocol after ongoing tensions

Western nations have repeatedly accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities under the cover of civilian energy development. Iran has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its nuclear activities are focused on energy generation and medical research.

Araqchi also addressed the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. He indicated that Iran would seek to establish a new framework for managing the waterway once the conflict subsides. The strait, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, has recently faced disruptions, contributing to volatility in global oil markets.

On the military front, the foreign minister defended Iran’s actions, stating that recent strikes were a response to what he described as aggression by U.S. and Israeli forces. He argued that responsibility for the escalation lies with those who initiated attacks on Iranian targets earlier this year.

Meanwhile, efforts by the United States to organize a multinational naval presence in the region have seen limited support from allies, many of whom are calling for diplomatic solutions rather than further militarization.

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Araqchi concluded by emphasizing that any path toward lasting peace would require a comprehensive resolution to the broader regional conflict, along with accountability for damages caused during the ongoing war, and a renewed push for peace negotiations.