Iran defends nuclear program ahead of talks

Iran released a five-minute video ahead of Wednesday’s diplomatic talks, defending its nuclear program, The Washington Post reports.

In the video, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the program is only for civilian purposes. He reiterates Iran’s stance that other nations are allowed to enrich uranium on their own soil, creating a possible clash with the U.S. and other international negotiators as they seek to strike a deal this week in Geneva.

“We expect and demand respect for our dignity,” Zarif says. He goes on to call Iran’s nuclear program a “a jump toward deciding our own destiny” that’s aimed at “securing the future of our children.”

Israel and other nations are worried the program is a cover for a weapons program.

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