Eslami: Nuclear industry and enrichment are Iran’s red line

Announcing the presence of the IAEA’s safeguards deputy in Tehran, Eslami said: “Aparo is in Tehran based on the March 2023 statement regarding the remaining sites.”

He expressed hope that the IAEA would end its susceptibility to Zionist influence and adopt a professional approach, adding: “With the actions taken and adjustments made, we hope to take a step toward resolving the two remaining sites.”

Noting that this is a commitment made by IAEA Director General Grossi, Eslami said: “We hope that through discussions and fieldwork, we can make progress today.”

Eslami stressed that Iran’s nuclear industry is entirely peaceful, with all its capacities under continuous IAEA oversight, and there has never been any lack of transparency in Iran’s nuclear program history.

He further remarked: “The smear campaigns by Monafeghin, the counter-revolutionary movement, and Zionists have persisted since the Islamic Revolution’s victory. They have tried to create distractions through lies and accusations, which are repetitive claims and distractions. Sometimes a name or location is mentioned, but upon investigation, it turns out to be baseless.”

Eslami, hoping the IAEA maintains its independence, stated: “Enrichment is the foundation of our nuclear industry. It’s like saying someone can have a power grid but not a power plant; the grid is useless without it. Enrichment is the same—it’s the basis for energy production and essential for both energy and non-energy applications.”

He added: “The nuclear industry and enrichment are Iran’s red line, and this has been clearly communicated to negotiating parties, both verbally and in writing.”

Eslami noted that issues raised in the media, especially by foreign political sources, are often fabricated. He emphasized: “At the negotiating table, it is certain that Iran must have an enrichment industry. Two firm conditions exist: first, Iran has emphasized it will not pursue nuclear weapons, and second, Iran will not enrich for nuclear weapons. These are our commitments, and we have no programs beyond those openly declared.”

Regarding countries that have acted with hostility toward Iran, Eslami said: “Over the years, we have tried not to accept inspectors from those countries, just as they do not accept Iranian inspectors. However, if negotiations progress, agreements are reached, and Iran’s demands are considered, we may reconsider accepting American inspectors through the IAEA.”

He also highlighted that halting enrichment would primarily harm public welfare, stating: “Around one million people annually benefit from radiopharmaceuticals. Without enrichment, we cannot produce 20% enriched fuel or operate the Tehran reactor, meaning we cannot produce radiopharmaceuticals, directly impacting healthcare.”

He further noted: “We are working on building a fully Iranian power plant with fully Iranian fuel, all under IAEA supervision. The IAEA conducts its heaviest inspections in Iran.”

Eslami added: “Our nuclear industry capacity is less than 3% of the global capacity, yet 25% of the IAEA’s inspections are conducted in Iran—over 12 times more than average. I don’t think anyone has endured as much pressure as Iran and its people for the sake of building trust.”