Iran awaits US response to declaration

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says Iran is waiting for the Vienna Group’s response to its letter regarding the Tehran nuclear swap declaration.

Iran delivered a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on May 24 in which it informed the UN body of a nuclear fuel swap declaration signed with Turkey and Brazil in Tehran.

“The content and time of Iran’s letter has been conveyed to the Vienna Group, and as we were learned the Americans, French and Russians are discussing the matter and will inform the agency of their response,” Mehmanparast said on Saturday.

When asked about allegations that the Tehran declaration does not satisfy Washington’s demands, and whether the US has given a formal response to the declaration Mehmanparast said “we are waiting for an official response.”

“The US statements made after the issuance of the declaration appeared to be somewhat hasty and they were surprised,” Mehmanparast explained.

He added that the declaration had created an opportunity for “interaction and cooperation” based on respect for the rights of other nations and justice.

Mehmanparast said Iran expects all countries who want confrontational and destructive approach to be replaced with nuclear cooperation to back the initiative. The spokesman called on the Vienna Group to welcome this approach instead of “looking for excuses.”

Iran, Turkey and Brazil signed a nuclear swap declaration based on which Tehran agreed to ship 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for 120 kg of 20 percent enriched uranium for its research reactor.