Iraqi: We Will Not Grant Special Concessions in Nuclear Negotiations

Abbas Araghchi, a senior Iranian official in nuclear negotiations, stated that the Islamic Republic will not grant any "special concessions" to the other side within the framework of a comprehensive nuclear agreement, but will only engage in "more trust-building." In return, the West is expected to accept uranium enrichment in Iran and lift sanctions. On Tuesday, April 14, in an interview with the Islamic Republic's state news agency, this Iranian official also described the potential acceptance of the Additional Protocol by Iran, one of the topics of the nuclear negotiations, as a common practice in the world that is also done for trust-building. Iranian officials and members of the 1+5 group are currently negotiating in New York. Meanwhile, the drafting of the comprehensive nuclear agreement has begun, which Mr. Araghchi emphasized is progressing "slowly and steadily," and both sides hope to conclude it on schedule. However, some members of the Iranian Parliament have noted that the acceptance of the Additional Protocol requires the approval of this legislative body. The Islamic Republic had previously accepted the Additional Protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, which was later suspended by the Iranian Parliament. Nevertheless, Abbas Araghchi assures that the acceptance of the Additional Protocol is not unusual in the world. He stated: "One of the issues under negotiation is the Additional Protocol, which will be implemented if the Parliament accepts it, and it is nothing strange, as over 100 countries in the world implement the Additional Protocol. One of the basic principles of the NPT is that countries will have their peaceful nuclear programs and, in return, agree to a series of oversight and inspections by the Agency to ensure trust exists." This Iranian official also said: "We do not give any special concessions, but they accept enrichment, heavy water, and the continuation of our programs in many areas, they accept cooperation and lifting sanctions, and in return, we will engage in a bit more trust-building." The recent nuclear understanding in Lausanne regarding the framework of the comprehensive nuclear agreement indicates that Iran agrees to limit its nuclear program and allow full oversight by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. This understanding includes reducing centrifuges and decreasing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. In return, sanctions against Iran will be suspended, and global powers will cooperate with the Islamic Republic in some of its nuclear programs.