Iran resolved to boost lasting cooperation with IAEA: Rouhani

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has stressed the importance of the maintenance of the independence and impartiality of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying Iran seeks to boost long-term cooperation with the agency.

“Our determination is to have long-term cooperation with the agency within the framework of international regulations,” Rouhani said in a meeting with the IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano in Tehran on Sunday.

“We hope that given Iran’s full cooperation in recent years, the agency will declare its final conclusion about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program as soon as possible,” he added.

Iran expects that the UN nuclear agency, in line with its measures and duties, would provide Iran with the same help it gives to other countries committed to the IAEA Safeguards Agreement and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Rouhani said.

President Rouhani also emphasized the significance of the preservation of international regulations and treaties and said Iran has repeatedly announced that it would not be the first country to walk away from the landmark nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries more than two years ago.

“We will remain committed to the JCPOA so long as we are able to enjoy the benefits mentioned in it,” the Iranian president said.

As an important international body, the IAEA’s credibility lies in carrying out its “professional and technical activities” without being influenced by world powers, he added.

“It is not acceptable for us that some countries and their officials would want to influence the agency’s decisions and exert pressure [on it],” the Iranian chief executive pointed out.

The IAEA is the only official institution in charge of verifying Iranian compliance, and it has repeatedly verified Iran’s adherence to its contractual obligations.
The IAEA head, for his part, said the Islamic Republic has fulfilled all its commitments under international regulations and the JCPOA.

Amano added that most prominent officials of different world countries have thrown their weight behind the JCPOA and said all parties’ compliance with the nuclear accord would play a leading role in its survival and sustenance.

EA