Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirms Iran’s parliament has voted to suspend, but not end, cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA.
The legislation “talks about suspending, not putting an end to the cooperation”, Baqaei explained. “Don’t you think it is only natural for the representatives of a nation that has come under an egregious act of aggression to reconsider the way they have been dealing with the IAEA?”
Baqaei went on to say that the bill sets conditions for Iran’s future engagement with the watchdog, including guarantees for the safety and security of Iranian scientists and nuclear facilities. It also calls for respect for Iran’s rights under the NPT — the international treaty under which non-nuclear-weapon states commit not to pursue nuclear arms but have the right to develop peaceful nuclear energy, he said.
“If we are going to be a responsible member of the NPT, we have to be able to enjoy the rights that are afforded to every state of this treaty.”
Pressed on the condition of Iran’s nuclear sites hit by US and Israeli attacks, Baghei said, “Yes, our nuclear installations have been badly damaged.”
“That’s for sure because [they have] come under repeated attacks,” he said.
“I have nothing to add on this issue because it’s a matter of technical issue,” he went on, noting that Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation and other relevant agencies are addressing it.
