Iran affirms commitment to nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
FILE PHOTO: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks as he meets with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, in Baghdad, Iraq October 13, 2024. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad/File Photo
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed that his country will continue to keep its commitment to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), The New Arab via Reuters reported on July 3rd.
Araqchi’s remarks came a day after Iran put into effect a law suspending its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), UN’s nuclear watchdog.
On June 26th, Maghrebi reported that Ebrahim Rezaei, Iran’s national security committee spokesperson, said the law would suspend the installation of surveillance cameras, inspections, and the filing of reports to the IAEA. At the time, there were no concrete plans to enact the bill, as Reuters and Iran’s state-affiliated outlet Nournews also reported.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry urged Tehran to reverse its decision to end cooperation with the IAEA. In response, Araqchi took to X to write: “Our cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) will be channeled through Iran’s Supreme National Security Council for obvious safety and security reasons.”
He accused Germany of “explicit support for Israel’s unlawful attack on Iran, including safeguarded nuclear sites”.
Iran blames the IAEA for providing Israel with a case for the June 13th airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This was an attack that started a day after the UN agency declared Tehran in violation of its commitments under the NPT.
On July 2nd, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran enacted the suspending IAEA cooperation, a move the US called “unacceptable.”
IAEA inspectors are directed to confirm adherance with the NPT by verifying that nuclear programmes in signatory countries are not employed for military purposes.
Despite outspoken suspicion in the West, Iran insists that its nuclear programme is meant only for non-violent means, as would satisfy its commitment to the NPT.
The law now in effect requires that any inspection of Iran’s nuclear installations by the IAEA must be authorised by Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.
IAEA commented: “We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran.”
Tammy Bruce, US State Department spokesperson, told a regular briefing on July 2nd that Iran must cooperate fully with the IAEA with no additional delay.
The New Arab via Reuters, Maghrebi.org, Nournews
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