Kamal Kharrazi: Iran Has the Right to Resume Uranium Enrichment

Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, stated that Iran will resume uranium enrichment once its relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) normalize. Kharrazi told reporters in Tehran on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic voluntarily suspended its enrichment program for a limited time to build trust with the agency during investigations and has the right to resume it. He also warned European countries that if they do not end what he called capitulation to U.S. pressure in dealings with the IAEA, Tehran may terminate its nuclear cooperation. Western diplomats say that the U.S. and major European countries have reached an agreement on the text of a resolution regarding Iran's nuclear activities, which is set to be submitted to the IAEA board for approval this week. The draft resolution expresses concern that Iran's report from last October did not fully disclose the extent of its nuclear program and criticizes Tehran for failing to respond to all questions regarding its uranium enrichment capabilities. The Islamic Republic has also criticized what it calls U.S. influence over the IAEA, stating that if this situation does not change, Tehran may end its cooperation with the agency. Pyruz Hosseini, Iran's representative at the IAEA, stated on Wednesday in Vienna that the U.S. is excessively pressuring European countries to toughen the text of the resolution expressing concern over Iran's nuclear activities. Meanwhile, Amal Hamada, an Iran expert at Cairo University, told Voice of America that she believes Iran is trying to extort the international community in some way. Iran is fully aware that it can no longer endure more sanctions and remain isolated in the international community, but Iranian leaders have taken a hard stance to compel the other side to negotiate.