Iran Must Carefully Study Additional Protocol to NPT Before Signing It

Hasanzadegan told the Mehr News Agency that subtle diplomacy should be used in negotiations on the NPT.   

The Majlis deputy representing Roudsar said that rash comments on Iran’s signing the additional protocol to the NPT will only increase international pressure on the Islamic Republic.

He also warned that Iran could lose the chance to protest against the fact the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not provided it with nuclear expertise, as it is obliged to do by articles 4 and 6 of the NPT, if the internal factional bickering and political pressure continue. 

“We have been waiting for over 20 years for the chance to regain our rights [regarding the IAEA obligations toward Iran] in a legal international challenge,” Hasanzadegan said.

“The additional protocol should be thoroughly studied from a legal viewpoint, regardless of the political issues.” 

The Majlis deputy added that the NPT clauses create legal obligations for other countries toward Iran and regretted that these obligations have so far been ignored.

Hasanzadegan said that the countries that will be required to implement certain IAEA commitments toward Iran if Tehran signs the additional protocol are increasing their propaganda against Iran in order to deprive the Islamic Republic of its rights and privileges guaranteed to it as a signatory to the NPT.

He added that the additional protocol is being used to intensify factional disputes in Iran, saying that parties should instead demand that sanctions against Iran be removed, which he believes would be in line with Iran's national interests. 

Hasanzadegan also said that the IAEA’s publication of parts of a secret report on Iran’s nuclear plans in June made Iran wonder about the intentions of the agency.

“Therefore, we should wait for the results of the upcoming meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors before making any decisions about the additional protocol,” he said.  

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Majlis deputy said that the political pressure on Iran is not as intense as it seems, adding that the pressure has only been magnified in Washington’s propaganda against Iran.

Hasanzadegan stated that the additional protocol could be the start of a new phase of cooperation or could lead to accusations against Iran.

He went on to say that it is essential that all of the ramifications of signing the additional protocol to the NPT are studied and the vague points clarified.

In conclusion, he said, “Fortunately, Iranian officials have a positive attitude toward the issue and have reached a consensus that the protocol must be carefully studied, despite the international pressure.”

SHL/AA/HG

End

MNA