Why it matters:

Araghchi’s statement reflects growing frustration in Tehran— and across the region — over U.S. double standards: condemning Iran’s peaceful nuclear program while reigniting the nuclear arms race through new testing and modernization efforts.

The big picture:

The U.S. has not conducted full-scale nuclear tests since 1992, but recent reports suggest the Pentagon is preparing limited experiments to update its arsenal. The move has drawn criticism from arms control advocates and countries pushing for global disarmament.

Iran, which remains a party to the NPT, maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and says U.S. policies have weakened international security.

What he's saying:

Araghchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): After renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War (by the U.S.), this nuclear arrogant power resumes testing again. These are the same powers that call Iran’s peaceful nuclear program a threat. He added: There is no doubt that the United States is the most dangerous proliferator of nuclear weapons in the world.