Behrouz Bayat: Iran Has Not Lost Anything in the Nuclear Agreement

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, states that the Lausanne nuclear agreement is a win-win situation. So far, both sides at the negotiating table have expressed satisfaction with reaching this joint agreement and consider themselves winners. However, what did Iran gain technically from this agreement, and what did it lose? In an interview with Radio Farda, Behrouz Bayat, a former advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency, explains the technical features of the Lausanne nuclear agreement: Bayat states that while Iran has 19,000 centrifuges, only 9,000 were operational, and now slightly more than 5,000 can continue their work. Regardless of whether it is 5,000, 9,000, or 19,000 centrifuges, none of these hold industrial or economic significance; they are merely symbolic actions. He believes that Iran's allowance to enrich uranium with 5,000 centrifuges is significant as it helps the Iranian government maintain its image and dignity. Regarding the conversion of the Fordow facility, which has always been a sensitive issue for the West, Bayat notes that a formula has been found for using this center for research and development, not related to enrichment but for other uses. Whether this will happen depends on the Iranian government’s willingness. However, he doubts the feasibility of establishing a normal research and development center deep within the mountains. Bayat also discusses Zarif's comments upon returning to Tehran, stating that negotiations involve give-and-take. He is asked what Iran has given and gained in the technical sphere of its nuclear issue. Bayat argues that from the perspective of Iran's national interests, it does not lose anything. For the regime, it is difficult to promote uranium enrichment and then have to make concessions. The agreement stipulates that there will be no accumulation of fuel or enrichment materials in Iran, which will be transferred abroad. The announcement also mentions that international cooperation regarding Iran's nuclear program will expand in areas such as electricity-producing reactors and research reactors.