Rouhani: We Will Never Sign an Agreement Allowing Access to National Secrets

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, emphasized the government's complete obedience to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, stating that Iran will "never" sign an agreement that allows access to the country's "scientific and military secrets." Just a day prior to these remarks, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had stressed that Iran would not allow inspections of its military sites or interrogations of its nuclear scientists. According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Hassan Rouhani stated on Thursday, May 31, that "the management of the implementation of the Additional Protocol will be with us and based on respecting red lines." Meanwhile, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, also stated on Tuesday, May 28, that "the Additional Protocol does not allow for unrestricted and unjustified access to the structures of countries, but rather creates a regulated framework that is currently being implemented in 124 countries." On the other hand, according to the French Foreign Minister, Tehran has stated that in case of suspicion of a violation of the nuclear agreement, it would need 24 days to grant permission for international inspectors to enter its facilities. Based on the Additional Protocol in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which Iran voluntarily accepted in the Lausanne nuclear agreement, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be allowed to conduct unannounced inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities whenever deemed necessary. Members of Iran's nuclear negotiating team had previously indicated the possibility of "managed access" to Iran's military sites, clarifying that "access" means not inspections, but "environmental sampling." However, several members of the Iranian parliament have repeatedly warned about the consequences of accepting the Additional Protocol and inspections of Iran's military sites. In the latest instance, Mahmoud Nabavian, a representative from Tehran, stated on Thursday: "In the Lausanne statement, the parties committed to providing information and unannounced visits to all centers, equipment, productions, and the names and titles of Iran's military experts to the West, which means that the country's security is jeopardized and leads the country towards war." The President of Iran also emphasized in his remarks on Thursday: "Research and development is our red line, and the negotiators are aware of the red lines." This statement by Rouhani comes as reports from the Lausanne agreement indicate that Iran has committed not to construct any new equipment for enrichment for 15 years and to suspend some of its enrichment activities during this period. "No agreement will be in place until Iran's views reach a conclusion." However, just hours before Rouhani's remarks, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry responded to comments from her American counterpart, stating that "no agreement will be in place until all issues of concern to the Islamic Republic of Iran are clarified and resolved." According to the state news agency IRNA, Marzieh Afkham, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, added: "Iran's views on all matters have been clearly and transparently presented since the beginning of the negotiations." Marie Harf, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on Wednesday night that if the negotiating parties with Iran do not obtain the necessary assurances for access to potential military dimensions, facilities, or possibly military activities of Iran's nuclear program, then problems will arise. In this context, criticisms in parliament regarding access to military sites continue, with representatives not satisfied; a question directed at Zarif will go to the public session. The U.S. State Department: We do not intend to respond to every opinion of the Iranian leader. "Iran's request for a 24-day deadline" for inspections of facilities.