WANA (Apr 10) – The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, announced that the second and third units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant are progressing smoothly and are expected to become operational by the end of Iran’s Seventh Development Plan.

 

In a live television interview, Eslami dismissed the impact of Western sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program. “We have not been harmed by sanctions, nor will we be,” he said.

 

IAEA Chief Expected in Tehran

Eslami revealed that the visit of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General to Iran has been scheduled for late April, pending final arrangements through Iran’s ambassador to the Agency.

 

“We are cooperating with the IAEA under the framework of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement,” he said, adding that roughly 120 IAEA inspectors currently have access to Iran, and their movements are coordinated and approved by Iranian authorities.

 

He also emphasized the unprecedented scale of inspections in Iran. “There are more inspection days than calendar days,” he stated.

 

Iran Criticizes Politicization of IAEA Reports

Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Eslami said the IAEA is obligated to report on the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), but its reports are often preceded by political pressure and media campaigns.

 

“These are orchestrated by Zionist media outlets ahead of Board of Governors meetings to push the Agency toward harsher reports against Iran,” he argued. “It’s clear that the other parties didn’t fulfill their JCPOA commitments, and our steps back were a reaction to that.”

 

Eslami underlined that Iran continues to cooperate with the IAEA and has advised the Director-General to refrain from politicizing the issue in public statements. “We have no problem with the Agency, and we continue on a professional path.”

 

On Talks with the U.S. in Oman

Addressing the recent indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Oman, Eslami stated: “The core issue is that nuclear technology represents power, and certain countries are unwilling to see Iran possess this capability. But despite all the hostility, Iran has achieved this, and it cannot be reversed.”

 

He said aggressive rhetoric and psychological operations are being used to gain leverage in negotiations. “Iran has a clear, peaceful program that it will not abandon. We didn’t borrow this technology from anyone, and no one can halt our progress.”

 

Eslami confirmed that Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is leading the diplomatic efforts in line with national strategies, adding, “We wish him success in his mission.”

 

Rejects ‘Libya Model’ for Iran

In response to some U.S. officials mentioning a “Libya-style” model for Iran, Eslami firmly rejected the comparison. “Let’s not waste time on false assumptions. No one has the right to compare Iran’s dignity and power with any other country. These remarks neither influence us nor cause us to retreat.”

 

He clarified that Saturday’s talks in Oman are political in nature and fall under the Foreign Ministry’s domain. However, if needed, the AEOI is ready to send representatives for consultation.

 

Still Within JCPOA Framework

Eslami stressed that Iran remains within the JCPOA and is now in the tenth year of its implementation. “This year marks the end of nuclear-related sanctions, and there is no justification for denying Iran this right. While some are attempting to trigger the snapback mechanism, any reaction to such a move would be strategic, political, and security-related — and would be decided upon at the national level.”

 

When asked what Iran’s response would be if the U.S. demanded zero uranium enrichment, Eslami responded bluntly: “Zero enrichment in Iran? That’s a joke.”