TEHERAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Western countries would eventually have to acknowledge Iran as a scientific hub in the field of peaceful nuclear technology, state media reported.

Speaking during a visit to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Araghchi praised the country's achievements in the nuclear sector and reaffirmed Teheran's commitment to defending its nuclear rights.

"The West's main goal is to deprive Iran of its nuclear capabilities and maintain its monopoly," Araghchi said, adding that "Western countries will ultimately have no choice but to recognize Iran as a scientific hub for the peaceful nuclear industry."

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He said Iran's progress in nuclear science was the result of years of effort and sacrifice by Iranian scientists, and reiterated that no one in Iran would give up the country's nuclear rights.

He said Iran has consistently sought to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program by cooperating with international bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Western governments have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. Teheran denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is aimed at power generation and medical purposes.