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Iran Calls for IAEA’s Impartial Verification of Saudi Nuclear Activities

September 21, 2020

In an online address to the 64th General Conference of held in Vienna International Centre, Iran’s nuclear chief said the professional, impartial, and independent nature of the IAEA’s work would only be guaranteed if the Agency also considers unequivocally and impartially the available information on the nuclear activities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“If Saudi Arabia is seeking a peaceful nuclear program, it should act in a very transparent manner and allow the Agency’s inspectors to verify its activities,” Salehi noted.

He also lashed out at “the regime of Israel as a non-party to the NPT” for “continually and adamantly refusing to adhere to the IAEA safeguards”, and said the issue requires an “unbiased and professional approach by the Agency”.

“This regime which is the main source of instability and insecurity in the region as well as a threat to international peace and security, should abandon its Weapons of Mass Destruction program and accede to the NPT without further delay and precondition. Needless to say that, clarifications on the nuclear activities and programs in this regard would certainly strengthen the credibility and professionalism of the Agency,” he added.

He also said the only way to protect multilateralism in the world is to get united and put an end to the destructive behaviour of the current United States administration for the interests of all in the international community.

What follows is the full text of his Monday statement:

The world is enduring very serious and unique circumstances caused by the pandemic COVID-19, which has practically required many fora and organizations, including the Agency, to change their modus-operandi. In view of this, it is a distinct pleasure for me to virtually join the 64th session of the General Conference of the Agency.

Amidst such a unique gloomy and painful environment wherein almost all Members of the Agency have suffered one way or another from the COVID-19, the international community could not witness the tattering of another thread of multilateralism, namely the architecture of the United Nations. It is no secret that international organizations are under political pressures from certain States, and the IAEA is of no exception. At this critical point in time for multilateralism, on the one hand, the raison d’être of the United Nations System has come under serious question; and on the other hand, the International Atomic Energy Agency is facing a very serious challenge of its kind since its inception.

I am proud to say that the international community has successfully passed the first phase of this dire ordeal; the UN Security Council members in New York have rightly shown that they are not willing to compromise on the achievements simply because of the intimidation approach of one specific Member State. 13 out of 15 members of the Security Council not only unanimously rejected the US Resolution on the extension of the arms embargo against Iran but also didn’t recognize the US as a JCPOA participant to use specific mechanisms of the Deal to bring back Council’s already terminated sanctions. That is a real asset that should be preserved.

Also, here in Vienna, the Agency and the Islamic Republic of Iran have shown utmost vigilance in relation to their long term interests with the view that it will be materialized only through mutual cooperation avoiding any outside influence. Thus, within the framework of the safeguards obligations of States under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and Additional Protocol (AP), the Agency should show its determination that it will not compromise its impartiality, independence, and professionalism for the sake of short-sighted comforts.

It is worthy to know that Iran, alone, receives 22 percent of the total inspections of the IAEA at the global level, 432 inspections, and 33 complimentary accesses that have also been conducted in Iran in 2019. Furthermore, the Agency has also been able to carry out its verification activities in Iran even during the difficult situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. With this transparent and extensive cooperation, Iran and the Agency agreed to work in good faith to resolve three safeguards related questions with an understanding that based on the analysis of information available to the Agency, there will be no other questions or requests for access.

Such approaches taken in New York and in Vienna are the real silver-linings in this gloomy political environment for multilateralism and deserve genuine compliments.

On the current status of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), I would like to say that, while there is still a broad agreement among the international community that the JCPOA should be preserved as the real turning point in the history of multilateralism and as an important achievement of diplomacy, the JCPOA is caught in a quasi-stalemate situation due to the illegal withdrawal of the US from the deal. Therefore, preservation of the JCPOA is also a common responsibility of all members of the international community. In this context, the responsibility of the EU specifically E3 as members of the JCPOA is of utmost importance, i.e. they must implement their obligations fully and effectively. Thus, the Deal is preserved only when its provisions are implemented in a balanced manner by all parties involved. As a result, Iran has and had no other option rather adopt a step-by-step approach in implementing paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA to restore the lost balance to the Deal.

Nuclear safety is among Iran’s highest priorities. In doing so, progress has been made in establishing an advanced Nuclear Safety Centre (NSC). While the responsibility for nuclear safety and security rests entirely with the Member States, Iran strongly believes that these areas need to be strengthened and enhanced through cooperation between States.

New threats by malicious sides have been observed recently by way of cyber and other technological instruments. In this regard, let me point to the recent explosion at Shahid Ahmadi Roshan (Natanz) Nuclear Facility which was the result of sabotage as already declared. These malicious acts need to be condemned by the Agency and the Member States. Iran reserves its rights to protect its facilities and make necessary reactions to any threat as appropriate.

The Islamic Republic of Iran persists in its path towards the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology in various fields including agriculture, health, and industry while continuing to generate electricity. Here, we reiterate that one of the main missions of the IAEA is “to foster the exchange of scientific and technical cooperation on the peaceful uses of atomic energy” and “to encourage the exchange and training of scientists and experts in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy” among member states.

One last word of wisdom, the professional, impartial, and independent nature of the work of the Agency would only be guaranteed if the Agency also considers unequivocally and impartially the available information on the nuclear activities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If Saudi Arabia is seeking for a peaceful nuclear program, it should act in a very transparent manner and allow the Agency’s inspectors to verify its activities. In this context, the regime of Israel as a non-party to the NPT which has continually and adamantly refused to adhere to the IAEA safeguards requires an unbiased and professional approach by the Agency. This regime which is the main source of instability and insecurity in the region as well as a threat to international peace and security, should abandon its Weapons of Mass Destruction program and accede to the NPT without further delay and precondition. Needless to say that, clarifications on the nuclear activities and programs in this regard would certainly strengthen the credibility and professionalism of the Agency.

To conclude, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to continue its efforts and cooperation with others in the International Community to bring back multilateralism and diplomacy at the centre of international relations. To this end, there is no way but to get united and put an end to the destructive behaviour of the current United States administration for the interests of all of us in the international community.

Iran’s Beauties in Photos: Asiabar Traditional Market

IFP Editorial Staff

September 21, 2020

Asiabar is located in Deylman region of Siahkal County in northern Iranian province of Gilan. The traditional market of Asiabar is said to date back to the Safavid era.

There used to be more than 50 stalls in the bazaar to meet the needs of people from different villages: traditional forging, sewing, butchery, bakery, coffee house, hostel, carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, shoemaking, trading, hospital, veterinary, petitionary, school room, pharmacy, apothecary and horseshoe making.

Easy access had been a main factor for the prosperity of Asiabar bazaar in the mountainous region of Deylman. It was registered this year in the list of Iran’s National Heritage as the first traditional market in the north of country.

What follows are ILNA’s photos of Asiabar bazaar:

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Iraqi Imposed War Proved Cost of Invading Iran Very High: Leader

IFP Editorial Staff

September 21, 2020

Iraqi Imposed War Proved Cost of Invading Iran Very High: Leader

The Leader made the remarks on Monday in a virtual address to an event held for commemoration of the veterans of the country’s 1980-88 Sacred Defence against the Iraqi war.

“When a nation shows that it has the diligence and power to defend itself and delivers a crushing response to invaders, invaders would then think twice before perpetrating any incursion against this country and its people, and realize that such an act of aggression would be very costly for them,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s comments came in an apparent reaction to the recent threats by US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Leader highlighted the rewards of Iran’s defence against the Iraqi invaders, and said successful engagement in the war awarded Iran its current level of security.

He said the resistance shown by Iranian people also equipped them with a sense of self-belief in their ability to fend for themselves and put it on a course of technological and scientific development because it had to wade into many new areas to be able to buttress its defensive activities.

The war taught Iran that “some things that appear to be impossible are actually possible,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The Leader’s comments came on the anniversary of the day when Iraqi invading forces took on Iran with untrammeled foreign support, just one year after the victory of its Islamic Revolution.

The war lasted until 1988, leaving a treasure trove of memories of self-sacrifice and spiritual conviction in ultimate divine victory.

Rashti-Style Crochet: An Ancient Iranian Art

IFP Editorial Staff

September 21, 2020

Rashtidoozi, literally meaning “Rashti-style crochet”, is an old art originally practiced in the northern Iranian city of Rasht. The art has its roots in ancient history and is still alive.

It is one of the most ancient handicrafts of the city of Rasht and has been registered on the National Intangible Heritage list. Rashti-style crochet works are mostly produced by women and used to decorate curtains, hats, clothes, tablecloth, bedspread, etc.

Rashtidoozi products are usually decorated with fixed patterns which have been used since old times, though some more modern and creative patterns are used as well.

There is no precise recorded history of Rashtidoozi, but some handicrafts experts believe the art has an ancient history and dates back to the Achaemenid era.

Disabled Iranian Child Longing to Attend Paralympic Games

IFP Editorial Staff

September 21, 2020

Disabled Iranian Child Longing to Attend Paralympic Games

Mohammad Mahdi Bakhshi was born on May 4, 2015 with a physical disability. His disease is called anomaly. Until the day he was born, doctors could not diagnose his disease despite different examinations and tests during his mother’s pregnancy. Unaware of this disorder, his mother realized on the day of his birth that the bones of his legs, including both knees and toes, did not have the normal form.

The reason behind this disease is unclear. Some believe it is caused by waves and air pollution. However, Mohammad Mahdi’s parents decided to solve the problem themselves during the five years of their son’s life.

At 11 months old, Mohammad Mahdi underwent surgery. Part of his legs which had defects was cut off. After a three-month convalescence period, the first prosthetic legs were designed for him. That was the first step to make Mohammad Mahdi and his family’s dreams come true. Now, he keeps growing day by day and climbing the ladder of success thanks to his innate potential and high morale.

When three years old, Mohammad Mahdi traveled to the north of the country with his family. He tried swimming in the sea and showed that he was able to use the power of his hands to make up for the defect in his legs and swim.

He says he is longing to attend Paralympic games and bag a medal for his country.
These days, he is being trained by his track and field coach in order to be able to take part in competitions for the disabled. He is even being trained in swimming, not to mention the English language lessons he is learning with his teacher. His efforts bring him closer to making his dream of attending Paralympic games come true.

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Iran to Give Crushing Response If US Takes Any Practical Move: President

IFP Editorial Staff

September 20, 2020

Iran to Give Crushing Response If US Takes Any Practical Move: President

Addressing a cabinet session on Sunday, President Rouhani highlighted the UN Security Council’s opposition to the US’ push to reinstate the sanctions on Iran by resorting to the snapback mechanism of the JCPOA, warning Washington of Tehran’s harsh response to any practical measure.

“Hereby, I should announce as the president of Iran that if the US wants to exercise bullying and take practical action with the false notion that it has been able to reinstate the resolutions (on sanctions), while nobody agrees with it, it will certainly receive our decisive response,” the president said.

“It is quite clear that Iran has never given in to the US’ bullying at any juncture, and will stand against the US’ bullying at the current juncture as well,” he noted.

“We have always made it clear that there is only one way to deal with the Iranian nation, and that is respecting the rights of the Iranian nation, and speaking to the Iranian nation with the language of honour. Whoever intends to face the Iranian people with bullying, that course will definitely end in failure and will not yield results,” the president emphasized.

“When the US has put in a non-legal and incorrect request and the vast majority of the (UN) Security Council (members) have dismissed and opposed that request, from now on the US’ words would mean nothing but rebelliousness, and nobody would accept such (US) argument, and the consequences of these words and stances will afflict the US itself,” President Rouhani warned.

The Iranian president further commended the UN Security Council Member States for opposing the US’ “illegal and illogical” requests during August and September, and lauded the previous and incumbent presidents of the UNSC, namely Indonesia and Niger, for dismissing Washington’s unlawful moves.

“I should also thank Russia and China, as the friendly nations, which strongly and vigorously stood against the US’ illogicality in the past and in the current juncture, and should also admire the other Security Council Member States, including the European states and others, the whole 12 or 13 states that supported Iran and stood against the US,” he added.

President Rouhani then reiterated that if the five remaining parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the P4+1, honour the agreement in full, Iran will also fully return to its commitments under the nuclear deal.

“The fact that we reduced and stopped the JCPOA commitments was because we waited for one year but the 4+1 did not give us a positive response in the economic field, although they have always adopted good stances legally and politically. But since they could not or didn’t want to act fully in the economic field, we gave up our JCPOA commitments in turn. However, we will once again return to our JCPOA commitments whenever the five countries are ready and return to all of their JCPOA commitments,” the president underlined.