Zarif: The Agency Can Visit Locations with Nuclear Activity

Iran's Foreign Minister reacted to the statements of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the possibility of visiting military centers of the Islamic Republic, stating that the Agency can only visit places where nuclear activities are possible within the framework of the JCPOA. Yukiya Amano, in his report on September 11, mentioned that the Agency does not differentiate between military and non-military sites in Iran and will request access whenever necessary. However, Mohammad Javad Zarif clarified on Wednesday, September 12, that 'according to paragraph 75 of Annex I of the JCPOA, no visit by the Agency can be an excuse to learn about the secrets of the country.' He further stated, 'The frameworks of the Additional Protocol and the JCPOA are clear and are for visiting places that actually have the possibility of nuclear activities, and as the Agency has repeatedly stated, the Islamic Republic has acted correctly so far.' The IAEA Director General's report also stated that the Agency must first receive credible information indicating Iran's violation of the nuclear agreement before it can request access, but so far, no signs of Iran's violation have been observed. Amano's report followed comments from the US Ambassador to the United Nations, who stated that the Agency must have access to the Islamic Republic's military bases to verify Iran's activities and compliance with the nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, also reacted to Yukiya Amano's report, rejecting his discussion about access to Iran's military sites. According to IRNA news agency, Velayati said on Tuesday, 'In previous agreements with the Agency, there was absolutely no access to military sites, and if there were, we would not have agreed.' He added, 'Mr. Amano, his agents, and no other foreigner have the right to visit our military centers because these centers are among the prohibited areas that are considered completely classified security zones for any foreigner and foreign affiliates.' Previously, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, spokesman for Hassan Rouhani's government, had also stated that 'information about Iran's military locations is classified and secret, and the discussion of US access to these places is merely their wish.' In this context, the US State Department spokesperson stated: 'We are still reviewing the nuclear agreement with Iran.' Reuters reported: 'A plan for stricter policies regarding Iran is being presented to Trump.' Amano's report: 'The Agency does not differentiate between military and non-military sites in Iran.' Salehi: 'If only the US withdraws from the JCPOA, Iran will likely remain committed to it.'