Iran wants nuclear dossier closed: Salehi

Iran’s nuclear boss says the new administration favors the closure of its nuclear issue at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“I have come here with the message of the new president of my country for strengthening and broadening our current cooperation with the IAEA in order to put an end to Iran’s nuclear dossier,” Ali Akbar Salehi told the 57th IAEA General Conference in Vienna on Monday.

Salehi, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, reiterated Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s willingness for “mutual confidence-building and constructive interaction” with the IAEA.

“This issue will definitely create a good opportunity and atmosphere for the P5+1 (US, France, Britain, Russia, and China plus Germany) to react positively,” he said.

The United States and some of its allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran rejects the allegation, arguing that as a committed signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the IAEA, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

In addition, the IAEA has conducted numerous inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities but has never found any evidence showing that the Iranian nuclear program has been diverted toward military objectives.

Salehi reaffirmed Iran’s readiness for cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of NPT.

“[Iran] also expects to benefit from the IAEA’s technical assistance in different sectors related to peaceful use of nuclear [energy],” he said.