Iran’s nuclear program within framework of parliament’s strategic action law: AEOI chief

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Tehran’s civilian nuclear activities are within the framework of the strategic action law adopted by the Iranian parliament in late 2020 to counter sanctions and promote the country’s nuclear program.

“Under the Strategic Action Plan to Counter Sanctions, we are obliged not to honor our commitments in case the other party fails to do so. If they fulfill their obligations, the Islamic Republic will meet the JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) obligations which require certain curbs,” Mohammad Eslami said.

He was speaking upon arrival at Shahrekord International Airport in southwestern Iran on Tuesday.

The Strategic Action Plan to Counter Sanctions law was adopted by Iranian lawmakers in December 2020 to counter sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and its Western allies, and to promote the country’s peaceful nuclear program.

Under the parliament's law, the Iranian administration is required to restrict the IAEA's inspections and accelerate the development of the country’s nuclear program beyond the limits set under the JCPOA.

Commenting on the regular June meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors at the nuclear agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Eslami said that the IAEA submits its quarterly and biannual reports on Iran’s compliance or non-compliance with the JCPOA to the Board of Governors and the UN Security Council respectively.  

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He further noted that the reports prepared by Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi include two sections regarding the JCPOA as well as the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement.

Countermeasure

Asked about a move by Britain, France and Germany late on Monday to submit a resolution to the UN nuclear agancy's board, which accuses Iran of lack of cooperation, Eslami said that Iran has reduced its commitments in response to the other parties’ failure to live up to their obligations.   

“If they issue a resolution or put political pressure on us, we will react, and we have announced to them,” Salami further noted.

He in particular lashed out at the United States for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and preventing other countries from cooperating with Iran.

He underscored that the AEOI complies with Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA, and does not accept any action that would harm interaction between Iran and the IAEA.

The JCPOA's Articles 26 and 36 allow the deal's signatories to scale back their commitments should the other parties do the same.

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