Iranian Officials Reiterate Ban on Inspections of Military Sites

Amid discussions regarding a secret agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the international advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic reiterated that Iran will not allow inspections of its military sites by inspectors from this UN agency. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces referred to the Islamic Republic's 'defensive capabilities,' including ballistic missiles, as 'forbidden points' that 'foreigners are not allowed to think about.' Ali Akbar Velayati, the international advisor to the Supreme Leader, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera: 'Regardless of any interpretation by the 5+1 countries, we clearly and transparently say that the entry of IAEA inspectors or inspectors from any other organization to Iranian military bases is prohibited.' According to a report on Saturday, July 25, from the IRIB News Agency, he emphasized that this statement is 'our final word and is said regardless of any events in the future.' Before the Vienna nuclear agreement, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, had repeatedly emphasized that he would not allow inspections of military sites or interviews with Iranian nuclear scientists. However, based on a 'roadmap' signed on Tuesday, July 14, just hours before the official announcement of the comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group, the two sides reached a 'separate agreement' regarding the military site of Parchin. This section of the new roadmap between Iran and the IAEA does not reference any details of this 'separate arrangement.' However, on Thursday, an American senator stated that according to the agreement between Iran and the IAEA, sampling will be conducted by Iran itself. Meanwhile, Reza Najafi, Iran's permanent representative to the IAEA, warned that disclosing the 'secret' arrangements of this agreement would negatively impact its implementation. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's chief negotiator, mentioned on Wednesday, July 22, regarding this roadmap that he is confident that the ambiguity regarding potential military dimensions in Iran's nuclear program or PMD can be 'reasonably resolved while respecting the concerns of both sides.' He also emphasized that Resolution 2231 of the Security Council regarding Iran's missile program is not binding, stating, 'Wherever we see a resolution contrary to national interests and reason, we will act according to our policies.' Meanwhile, Masoud Jazayeri, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated on Friday that Iran's 'defensive capabilities,' including ballistic missiles, are 'forbidden points' that 'foreigners are not allowed to think about.' According to Mehr News Agency, he emphasized: 'The entire defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic, including new-generation missiles, are ready to confront and deal with any aggressor.' Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated that in the Security Council resolution, the annex regarding ballistic missiles is 'presented in a non-binding manner, and the term designed for nuclear weapon delivery capability is added to the Security Council resolution for the first time.' A day before Mr. Zarif's remarks, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, stated that some aspects of the draft Security Council resolution 'will never be accepted' and 'have no validity.' The resolution on Tuesday, July 20, from the UN Security Council allows the delivery of ballistic missile technology and heavy weapons to Iran, with the approval of Security Council members, but the United States has announced that it will veto such a matter. This resolution also maintains restrictions on ballistic missile technology for eight years and heavy weapons for five years. The Security Council resolution also keeps conventional arms sanctions against Iran for five years.