Salehi: Two Types of Restrictions Will Continue Following Comprehensive Agreement

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, stated that if a comprehensive agreement is finalized, economic sanctions will initially be lifted, but "non-proliferation" sanctions or restrictions on the sale of dual-use equipment will remain in place. In an interview with Iranian state television on Thursday night, April 20, he said that when global powers negotiate with Iran and lift sanctions, economic sanctions will be the first to go. He added, "However, two types of sanctions will remain with varying degrees of intensity. One is non-proliferation sanctions; for example, restrictions that may be imposed on the sale of yellowcake for a specified period or on certain dual-use equipment, or restrictions on the sale of weapons." The official news agency of the Islamic Republic, IRNA, quoted this government official as saying that a "committee" will be formed to review purchases related to this matter. In another part of his remarks, he stated that the complete nuclear fuel cycle will remain for Iran. Salehi mentioned that none of Iran's facilities will be shut down, but "some parts may slow down for a limited time; however, through research and development, this will significantly enhance the speed and output of our reactors." According to the head of the Atomic Energy Organization, it has been agreed in negotiations that if during a period he called the "confidence-building period," Iran needs 20% enriched uranium, [the negotiating global powers] will provide it to Iran to be converted into fuel plates domestically. He emphasized that if the other party "breaches the agreement," Iran can redesign the Arak reactor or produce 20% enriched uranium again by "linking two cascades of centrifuges." The West claims that the Arak heavy-water reactor is capable of producing plutonium-239, which can be used in nuclear bomb construction. Iran has stated that this reactor is a "research" facility for producing "therapeutic isotopes." The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced on September 5 that changes in this reactor would begin to alleviate concerns from some countries regarding the peaceful nature of these facilities. The restrictions imposed on the Arak reactor have drawn reactions from U.S. officials, including John Brennan, the CIA director, who stated that some concessions Iran has agreed to have "surprised" him. Iran and the negotiating parties regarding Tehran's nuclear program reached an understanding in Lausanne, Switzerland, which is intended to be the framework for a final comprehensive agreement. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, mentioned on April 20 the possibility that the next round of negotiations with the so-called 5+1 countries would take place in New York City, USA, on the sidelines of an international disarmament conference.