Kanaani denies discussion for 'interim nuclear agreement'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Jun 2023 15:02

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, says that Iran never abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) revival negotiations table reaffirming that any negotiation will have to be grounded in the previously signed 2015 nuclear agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani speaking at a press conference. (IRNA)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, highlighted in a statement that Iran never abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) revival negotiations table, reaffirming that Tehran had never abandoned diplomatic efforts that would eliminate the illegal and unilateral US sanctions against the nation.

“Iran’s government has never left the negotiation table and has shown its readiness to conduct serious and substantive negotiations in order to reach a conclusion,” Kanaani said adding “We have clear, principled views about the JCPOA and nuclear negotiations."

Kanaani stressed that any current negotiation must be "conducted on the basis of the nuclear agreement concluded in 2015," denying at the same time the existence of any discussions to conclude an "interim nuclear agreement."

Moreover, the spokesperson explained that while Tehran does not trust the West, and has developed its own policy with the aim of "neutralizing sanctions," it remained that it has "never stopped the diplomatic processes with the aim of removing the cruel sanctions."

In the meantime, however, "at the top" o Tehran's "agenda" is a plan to circumvent sanctions "by relying on its [Iran's] internal capacities and expanding its relations with neighbors and friendly countries."

Khamenei urges vigilance but open to conditioned nuclear agreement

Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei stated in a meeting with a group of nuclear experts and officials in Tehran on Sunday that there is nothing wrong with reaching a nuclear deal with the US if Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains untouched. However, Ayatollah Khamenei urged vigilance when dealing with the West, as "it has reneged on its promises many times and its untrustworthiness is now proven."

Khamenei explained, "You may want to reach agreements in some fields. Nothing is wrong with [reaching] agreements, but the infrastructure must remain intact. They must not be harmed. They are the fruit of others’ endeavors."

Moreover, the Iranian leader reminded, “We were dealt blows because of these misplaced trusts. It is very important that a nation and the officials of a country know and understand where they should trust and where not. We have understood it over the past twenty years. We understood who is trustworthy and who is not."

He also noted that Iran's opponents exploit the allegations that it is building nuclear weapons as a justification to strike the country, but the accusations have been nothing more than a ruse, and they are fully aware of it.

“The enemies have created a nuclear challenge for us for twenty years because they know that the movement in the nuclear industry is the key to the country’s scientific progress," Khamenei said.

Significantly the Iranian leader stressed “Based on our Islamic basis, we do not want to go towards [nuclear] weapons. Otherwise, they (the enemies) would not have been able to stop it, as until now they could not stop our nuclear developments."

The nuclear industry, according to Khamenei, is one of the most crucial parts of the country's advancement in many disciplines. Moreover, the Iranian leader said that the industry has played a major role in improving people's lives in the technological, economic, and health domains, as well as contributing to the country's global and international political positioning.

Despite restrictions, threats against scientists, and the assassination of some of them, the Iranian leader underscored that the nuclear challenge has proved the incredible competence and brilliance of Iranian youth.