WANA (Jun 09) – Iran’s Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to nuclear enrichment, rejecting Western pressure ahead of a key IAEA Board of Governors meeting. He emphasized that over a million Iranians rely annually on radiopharmaceuticals, asking, “Why should we endanger our people’s health and submit to baseless political pressure?”

 

In an interview, Eslami criticized the United States and three European countries for seeking to pass a resolution against Iran at the upcoming IAEA session. He argued that the agency and other international bodies have lost credibility due to U.S. unilateralism.

 

“Every country has its rights, and the Agency has its duties. But in recent years, these institutions have acted more like extensions of American policy than neutral organizations based on law,” Eslami said. “The rules governing nuclear activity worldwide are found in the safeguards system and the NPT frameworks we respect.”

 

Nuclear Technology: A Pillar of National Development

Eslami stressed that Iran, like other NPT signatories, is committed to operating within its legal obligations. He rejected demands for Tehran to alter its peaceful nuclear program, saying, “Our nuclear activity is our sovereign right. This technology is not just science—it is a fundamental pillar of any nation’s development.”

 

He condemned what he described as a double standard: “You cannot tell Iran to stop enrichment while simultaneously expanding your own nuclear programs in the U.S. The world sees through this hypocrisy.”

Iranian Students Rally Outside Fordow Nuclear Site in Support of Uranium Enrichment / WANA News Agency

Iranian Students Rally Outside Fordow Nuclear Site in Support of Uranium Enrichment / WANA News Agency

“We Have Nothing to Hide”

Dismissing accusations of covert activities, Eslami said Iran has no secret or undeclared nuclear programs. “No country is as heavily monitored as Iran. Around 130 IAEA inspectors regularly visit our facilities. There are surveillance cameras and both announced and unannounced inspections. These are all under the NPT and safeguard agreements.”

 

He said attempts to portray Iran as a nuclear threat are politically motivated. “These lies can only go so far. When the facts are clear and there is no evidence of violations, then what remains is mere political overreach. Our response is firm: we will continue our path with strength and clarity.”

 

Enrichment is the Foundation of Nuclear Energy

In response to questions on U.S. insistence that Iran halt enrichment, Eslami said the process is fundamental to any nuclear program. “They speak as if enrichment is something extraordinary. It’s not. The nuclear fuel cycle begins with enrichment. Can you operate a reactor without fuel?”

 

He added that Iran has been left with no choice but to develop its own capabilities. “We are under sanctions. No one cooperates with us, not even the Agency—except in matters of safety. If you were in Iran’s place, what would you do?”

 

Homegrown Technology Serving the People

Eslami highlighted that Iran’s nuclear achievements were the result of domestic innovation, not foreign assistance. “We have brilliant, dedicated scientists. We didn’t import this knowledge—we developed it ourselves. That’s why no one can take it away from us.”

Pointing to the Tehran Research Reactor, he noted, “This reactor, built by the U.S., originally used 90% enriched fuel. Later, when we needed 20% enriched fuel, they refused to provide it. So, we produced it ourselves.”

 

“If we hadn’t, we wouldn’t be able to produce radiopharmaceuticals or conduct nuclear research. Today, over a million people use our radiopharmaceuticals every year. Should we let them suffer because of irrational political demands?”

 

A Calculated and Determined Path Forward

Asked whether Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is preparing for potential future political decisions, Eslami said the agency operates with strategic foresight. “Our roadmap is clear and carefully designed. We are not swayed by emotion or provocation. We are proceeding with confidence and logic.”

 

The remarks come as Western nations intensify their diplomatic campaign against Iran’s nuclear program, despite the country’s insistence that its activities remain peaceful and transparent.