Iran threatens to start “industrial-scale” nuclear works

Iran Focus: London, Jan. 23 – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator warned the West on Sunday that the Islamic Republic would resume uranium enrichment “on an industrial scale” if the international dispute over its suspected nuclear weapons work was referred to the United Nations Security Council. Iran Focus

London, Jan. 23 – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator warned the West on Sunday that the Islamic Republic would resume uranium enrichment “on an industrial scale” if the international dispute over its suspected nuclear weapons work was referred to the United Nations Security Council.

In an interview with the Financial Times published online, Larijani, secretary-general of the powerful Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), said that the possibility of resuming industrial-scale enrichment was open for discussion with European states.

Britain, France, and Germany – the European Union 3 – have led negotiations with Tehran over its sensitive nuclear activities since 2003.

Larijani said that Tehran would begin uranium enrichment if the negotiations route was closed. “Everything depends on the way we are treated. If the negotiating route is open, we prefer to reach a conclusion through talks. But if this route is closed, we are obliged to follow up our other scenario”.

“The Additional Protocol and the suspension were approved by the Majlis. If we are referred to the Security Council, the government is obliged by the Majlis to lift all voluntary measures including the Additional Protocol”, he said.

Asked whether that meant that Iran would resume nuclear fuel production and industrial enrichment, Larijani replied, “Yes”.

He said that the Russian proposal which involves Iran enriching uranium exclusively on Russian soil was incomplete. “There are two issues to be considered. One is Iran’s right to enrichment, and the other is non-diversion. Any solution should be consistent with these considerations. The scale, extent and timing can all be discussed”.

Larijani said that there should be a limit to inspections of Iranian military sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency. “In principle, we cannot open such doors to everyone”. “Such issues can’t be raised daily”, he said.

Iran’s top national security official vowed that Tehran would never give in to international pressure and back down in its nuclear drive. “If they think any government in Iran could give up nuclear technology, they are mistaken. Look at the government of Mohammad Khatami – many of these nuclear activities began when he was president”.