Iran rejects IAEA chief's remarks on nuclear transparency

Iran Dismisses UN Nuclear Chief’s ‘Not Entirely Transparent’ Remarks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has rejected recent comments by the head of the UN nuclear organisation, where he stated that Iran was not fully transparent about its nuclear activities. The remarks were made by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi at a summit in Dubai on February 13, where he expressed concerns about Iran “presenting a face which is not entirely transparent”, increasing dangers.

Kanaani responded to Grossi’s remarks at a weekly press conference in Tehran, asserting that Iran’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and comply with international rules and regulations, as well as the safeguards agreement with the IAEA. He emphasized that Iran was exercising its rights and fulfilling its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that the development of nuclear weapons is not part of Iran’s military doctrine, as affirmed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Furthermore, Kanaani urged against the IAEA becoming a platform for “political, unprofessional and untechnical” issues, and reiterated that the revival of the JCPOA remains on the Iranian government’s agenda. The JCPOA was signed by Iran and world powers in 2015, with Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments.

Although talks to restore the JCPOA began in April 2021 in Vienna, significant progress has not been made since the last round ended in August 2022. The situation continues to be a point of contention in the international community and will likely remain a topic of discussion in the foreseeable future.

The Iranian government’s firm stance on the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities and its commitment to the JCPOA will undoubtedly influence the ongoing negotiations and global efforts to address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program.

–IANS
int/khz