WANA (Jan 27) – In a recent address, Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, discussed the country’s nuclear program and the impact of international pressures, particularly from the U.S. and its allies. Reflecting on two decades of negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear issue, he emphasized the enduring challenge faced by Iranian officials in reaching an agreement.

 

“Over the past 20 years, various governments in Iran, regardless of their political ideologies, have negotiated on this issue,” Eslami stated. “These talks culminated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but even the agreement itself couldn’t withstand the pressures.”

 

Eslami pointed to a recent statement by Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which he argued reflected the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S. Grossi suggested that if Iran wanted to resolve its nuclear issue, it needed to negotiate with the Trump administration. Eslami underscored that these tensions are exacerbated by U.S. influence on the IAEA, which he claimed is being used to create obstacles for Iran’s nuclear activities.

 

The Iranian official also reflected on the broader pressure campaign against the country, noting how Iran has endured “terrorist operations, sabotage, attacks on facilities, and the assassination of scientists” over the past 30 years. Despite these challenges, Iran continued to negotiate, ultimately producing the JCPOA.

 

However, as Eslami pointed out, even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized the deal, stating in his memoirs that one of the greatest “damages” Israel faced was the agreement, which he claimed was a “shameful” deal.

 

On a more technical note, Eslami highlighted the strategic importance of heavy water, a material with crucial applications in various industries. He explained that heavy water derivatives, such as those used in OLED displays, are in high demand globally.

 

Iran is currently working with several countries to supply these materials, expanding its capabilities in this field. The goal, Eslami emphasized, is not only to meet international demand but also to develop a self-sustaining value chain within Iran, benefiting local industries.