In a recent IRIB TV interview, Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, emphasized that uranium enrichment is the foundation of the country’s nuclear industry and a non-negotiable red line for Tehran.
His remarks came in response to U.S. calls for Iran to halt enrichment and a newly released International Atomic Energy Agency report outlining Tehran’s nuclear activities. Eslami argued that without enrichment, Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle would stall, undermining research and applications across medicine, energy and technology.
“No one can claim Iran does not have the right to enrich uranium,” Eslami stated. “Enrichment is among our rights and essential for developing peaceful nuclear technologies.”
He also challenged the independence of the IAEA report, suggesting it was influenced by France, Germany, Britain, the United States and Israel. At the same time, he reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, noting that the IAEA has consistent access to all Iranian facilities.
Despite this, the IAEA noted that Iran has yet to fully account for nuclear material at three undeclared sites and labeled cooperation as “less than satisfactory.” These concerns come amid five rounds of indirect talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman since April, which have focused on nuclear limitations and potential U.S. sanction relief.
As Tehran digs in on its red line, the global community watches closely: can diplomacy bridge the gap between enrichment rights and international oversight?
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Iran's atomic chief says uranium enrichment is Tehran's red line
cgtn.com
