Iran reacts to new IAEA report

Iran says the latest IAEA report has failed to mention significant events on the country’s nuclear activities including the recent Tehran declaration.

In a new nine-page report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) covered the very recent developments regarding Iran’s nuclear work including enrichment and reprocessing activities but failed to mention the recent Tehran declaration signed between Iran, Turkey and Brazil on a swap deal to provide fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).

Iran’s Ambassador to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh told Press TV that Iran was surprised to see the report fail to cover the Tehran nuclear declaration.

“It was very surprising because we expected that this important historical event, which was the result of positive, constructive and … honest approach … and is one hundred percent related to the IAEA activities, should have been reported here.”

Following talks between Iran, Turkey and Brazil, a nuclear declaration was issued on May 17 based on which Tehran announced its readiness to send some 1,200 kg of low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for a total of 120 kg of higher enriched uranium.

The declaration came as part of an earlier plan to supply fuel to the TRR, which produces medical isotopes for cancer patients.

The declaration has been hailed as a major confidence-building measure not only by its signatories but also by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

According to Soltanieh, the report raised “repetitive” issues, which he said damaged the IAEA credibility.

“The continuation of this trend is seriously damaging the IAEA and the General Secretariat. Therefore, Mr. Amano should put an end to this boring game and this sort of repetitive request and partial reflection of facts,” he went on to say.

While the IAEA report once again verified the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, it called on Iran to increase its cooperation with the IAEA and abide by UN Security Council resolutions to suspend uranium enrichment.

The Islamic Republic, however, says it has been fully cooperating with the IAEA even far beyond its legal obligations. Tehran also says it has answered all questions remaining about its nuclear work.

The report will be discussed at the regular meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors next week.