- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ali Khamenei’s representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, has reiterated that Iran has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, asserting that such arms are haram (forbidden) under Islamic law. Speaking to news agency ANI, Ilahi said Iran’s nuclear programme is strictly limited to peaceful and humanitarian purposes.
“Iran never wanted to have nuclear weapons because it is haram. Iran, at the same time, wants to have nuclear peaceful power for some social and humanitarian treatment,” he said.
Ilahi accused international organisations of applying “double standards” toward Tehran, arguing that Iran faces sanctions and extensive monitoring while other nuclear-armed countries do not. “Some international organisations issued a lot of sanctions against Iran and have a lot of supervision over Iran’s nuclear power, but some other countries have it, they use it, and they say nothing towards them,” he added.
UN Security Council Split Over Iran
His remarks come at a time when divisions persist within the United Nations Security Council over Iran’s nuclear activities. At a nuclear non-proliferation meeting last month, members remained split between those calling for the reinstatement of sanctions and others advocating their permanent removal.
Dispute Over 2015 Nuclear Deal
At the centre of the disagreement is the legitimacy of meetings linked to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, signed by Iran along with the Security Council’s five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Germany and the European Union, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.
Blaming international sanctions for Iran’s economic challenges, Ilahi acknowledged public frustration but insisted the situation remains under control. “Some people are angry, but other people use this opportunity to reach their target and achieve their aims. The situation at the moment is very good, under control,” he said, pushing back against what he described as exaggerated social media narratives.
Emphasis On India-Iran Ties
Ilahi also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Iran and India, dating back thousands of years. He said Indian achievements in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and medicine have long influenced Iranian scholarship. Stressing that Iran’s Supreme Leader supports closer collaboration with India, he expressed hope for stronger cooperation, including on the Chabahar port project.
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