Iran’s top nuclear official said all questions by the International Atomic Energy Agency about alleged uranium traces have been answered in detail and the safeguards issue will be resolved once they show determination to accept those explanations.
“Nothing has remained unanswered … we invite them again to come and hear the answers,” Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told reporters on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, ISNA reported.
The IAEA has called for explanation about nuclear particles that it claims have been found at three undeclared sites in Iran.
Tehran dismisses the allegation, saying it is based on fabricated data provided to lay the groundwork for further pressure on the Islamic Republic.
Nevertheless, Iran gave the agency explanations based on an agreement in March 2022, but the director general dismissed them as uncredible, convincing the IAEA Board of Governors to pass a resolution against the country in June.
The 35-nation board passed another motion later in November, urging Iran to cooperate on the safeguards questions.
Iran responded to both measures by restricting its cooperation with the agency, including the removal of a number of IAEA surveillance cameras.
Eslami said concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities are baseless given the agency’s strict monitoring.
Out of around 2,000 inspections carried out by the IAEA during the 2020-22 period, 500 cases pertained to Iran, which constitutes one-fourth of the whole, he noted.
This is while Iran owns only 21 sites out of the 730 in the world, according to Eslami.
“The fact that they still feel concern shows that they pursue the rhetoric and destructive operations of enemies,” he said.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is expected to visit Tehran some time this month to discuss the issues.
He said last week that he might be back in Iran for “much-needed political dialogue, or reestablishment thereof,” hoping to make progress on restoring Iranian cooperation.
Eslami said the purpose and agenda of the trip needs to be determined in advance.
Two-Sided Deal
Asked about Iran’s nuclear advancements, the AEOI chief reiterated Iran’s adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a member state.
Iran is taking steps beyond the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which curbed the country’s nuclear activity in return for sanctions relief.
The measures come in response to tough sanctions reimposed by the United States after its unilateral exit five years ago, but remain within the framework of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, according to Eslami.
“The JCPOA was a two-sided deal, when they do not meet their commitments, there is no reason for us to fulfill ours,” he said.
Negotiations to restore the JCPOA have been stalled for months over final differences, including the IAEA investigation into the alleged particles which Iran wants settled before any agreement.
Eslami also underlined the strength of the country’s air defense system and the AEOI’s own protective arrangements, saying the enemies have always been and will remain unsuccessful in their offensive operations.
He made the remarks in reference to concerns about the security level of nuclear establishments, following a recent drone attack on a military site in Isfahan Province which is thought to have been carried out by Israel.
“The enemies’ hostility needs alertness and readiness for response,” he said.
