Haadi Afghahi, a former Iranian diplomat, stated that Iran's prevention of surprise inspections is not a threat but rather an exercise of Tehran's legal rights within the framework of the nuclear agreement. He noted that the Iranian parliament mandated President Rouhani to raise the enrichment level to 20%, as it was previously.
In an interview with the Russian news agency Sputnik today, Afghahi explained that the parliament obliged President Rouhani to cancel the voluntary protocol for compliance with inspections, mentioning that Iran had previously volunteered for an additional protocol allowing atomic energy inspectors to conduct inspections at any time and place. He added that Tehran's actions are a manifestation of Iran exercising its rights to pressure the European and American signatories of this agreement, as Iran, which has implemented all its commitments, has received nothing in return.
Afghahi affirmed that Iranians only want their rights, which the international community overlooks, pointing out that the U.S. has done everything against Iran. He emphasized that they should not deal with Iran in a language of threats and warnings but with respect. Afghahi noted that with each passing day, Iran suffers more due to sanctions, stating, "We resist until we obtain our rights and continue our activities, and we may even increase the enrichment level to sixty or even ninety percent without leaning towards producing a nuclear bomb," asserting that Iran has never strayed from the nuclear agreement according to the IAEA.
He addressed Washington, saying, "Iran is a powerful country and a major power in the region; we are not weak. If Washington does anything, we will respond in kind. Now is not the time for flattery; Iran does not allow manipulation of its independence, sovereignty, rights, interests, and dignity."
Iran had notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it would prevent surprise inspections conducted by the agency starting next week if the other signatories to the nuclear agreement did not fulfill their commitments. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh stated, "If the others do not fulfill their obligations by February 21, the government will be forced to suspend the voluntary implementation of the additional protocol." Khatibzadeh added that this means ending all inspections conducted by the IAEA, but all these steps could be reversed if the other party changes its course and respects its commitments, referring to the United States.
