Sanctions have not hindered Iran’s nuclear program: IAEA envoy

TEHRAN,Sept.2(MNA) – The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency said that the sanctions imposed on Iran under the allegation that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons have not hindered its nuclear program. Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh made the remarks during a televised interview broadcast live on Iranian television late on Friday, a day after IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano’s report on Iran’s nuclear program was published. The report addresses developments since the agency’s last report, which was published on May 25, 2012. “The sanctions have had no impact on Iran’s nuclear program,” Soltanieh stated. Commenting on the accusations made against Iran in the most recent IAEA report, he said, “Such allegations are meant to keep Iran’s nuclear case open, but it should be stated that all these accusations are baseless.” The report demonstrates that Iran’s nuclear program is transparent and progress is being made in the nuclear filed, Soltanieh stated. The Iranian ambassador added, “In order to demonstrate its goodwill, the Islamic Republic of Iran has started negotiations with the atomic energy agency to define a specific framework to hold talks with the agency about the accusations.” “Iran has the right to specify certain disciplines in regard to these allegations because we, on no account, want the agency to enter the area of our national security,” he said. Soltanieh also stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a committed country, will continue its cooperation with the agency according to the NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and will never relinquish its right to enrichment.” IAEA report shows Iran’s nuclear activities are well underway In addition, Soltanieh said, “Amano’s report shows that Iran’s nuclear activities, including enrichment, are well underway under the agency’s supervision.” “There is not much difference between this report and the previous reports of the agency,” he stated. He also said that Iran is ready to continue its negotiations with the IAEA to finalize a modality for further cooperation. The latest round of talks between Tehran and the agency was held in Vienna on August 24 in an attempt to seal a framework deal on the arrangements for further investigation into Iran’s nuclear activities. However, no agreement was made during the meeting. The IAEA has said that gaining access to the Parchin military site in southeastern Tehran, where it claims explosives tests relevant for the development of nuclear bombs might have taken place, is a priority for the UN nuclear watchdog. Tehran rejected requests by the IAEA delegations to inspect the Parchin site during their visits to Iran from January 29 to 31 and February 21 to 22 and has made it clear that a framework must be agreed on for any access or visit.