Iran Must Answer Questions About Its Past Nuclear Research

Official sources have informed Reuters that John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, told his Iranian counterpart in recent phone calls that if Iran wants a nuclear agreement, it must answer questions about its past nuclear research, specifically whether this research was related to weapon production. The report, published on Thursday, July 4, does not specify the identity of these 'official sources' and states that the phone calls between John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif took place in recent days following reactions to Kerry's recent statements. Last week, the U.S. Secretary of State stated that the United States is 'not focused' on Iran's past activities as it is 'fully aware' of them and is instead concerned about the future. These remarks drew criticism, with some Western officials expressing concern that Kerry might be backing away from some key Western demands in the nuclear negotiations. However, the U.S. State Department emphasized that such an interpretation of Kerry's remarks is incorrect and that he never stated that potential military activities by Iran in the past are unimportant. Meanwhile, Reuters quoted a 'Western source close to the negotiations' stating: 'Kerry spoke with Zarif on the phone and told him that the past matters and the United States insists that the issue of potential military dimensions [of Iran's nuclear program] must be resolved in the negotiations.' The report also cites a 'senior Iranian official' stating that Kerry has spoken with Zarif twice in recent days. This Iranian official stated: 'Kerry called Zarif twice to clarify his position... He told Zarif that his remarks were misunderstood and that past activities are important and need to be clarified.' According to him, Kerry also emphasized that Iran must be honest regarding its past activities. Tehran has always claimed that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and that it has had no activities related to the production of nuclear weapons. In this context, Zarif is traveling to Vienna for nuclear talks on Friday.