Iran Defiant Amid Reinstated Sanctions by UN Security Council
The leader of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, expressed strong criticism towards Western powers following a recent decision by the UN Security Council to reinstate sanctions. This move seems to have done little to influence his nation’s commitment to their non-violent atomic initiative, as Eslami remarked in a personal interview.
The timing of this commentary is noteworthy, as Tehran recently divulged plans to cease cooperation regarding nuclear inspections in response to the newly implemented sanctions set by the UN Security Council. A significant shift, it signifies the heightening tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear agenda.
Just a week prior, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany instigated what is known as ‘snapback’ mechanism. This protocol is part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement made between Iran and global powers to curb Iran’s nuclear initiatives in return for relief from sanctions.
The initiation of the ‘snapback’ protocol has culminated in the reintroduction of UN sanctions against Iran. Moreover, it has undermined a recent pact between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to recommence inspecting Iranian nuclear premises.
In his conversation, Eslami targeted Western nations for purported double standards and consistent violations of previous treaties, stating unequivocally, ‘Iran has been strictly upholding its responsibilities whereas they have not fulfilled theirs.’ He further censured the United States for a continued pattern of attempts to damage Iran through various means, including ‘sanctions, hostility, warfare, dispute and intrigue.’
Eslami discounted recent overtures from the U.S. for Iran to dissolve its uranium enhancement program. He stated unreservedly that comments from U.S. officials hold ‘no significance for us. We are not under any obligation to follow their instructions.’ He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear initiative is, and always has been, tranquil in nature and in operation.
Notably, Eslami also denied the impact of recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. While acknowledging some loss of infrastructure and personnel, he asserted that ‘knowledge resides in the hearts and minds of our scientists’ which ‘cannot be obliterated.’
The renewed sanctions towards Iran have not been universally supported. Both Russia and China have expressed their opposition. Particularly, Russia’s UN diplomat stated that his nation does not acknowledge the legitimacy of the ‘snapback’ procedure.
In additional commentary, Tehran put forth the argument that the bombing of its nuclear facilities was condemned by a majority of the world’s nations, over 130 by their estimate. This, it claims, demonstrates global backing for Iran’s stance.
To cap off his remarks, Eslami confirmed Iran’s willingness to continue diplomatic discussion but adamantly stated they would not forfeit their rights. His closing comments were assertive: ‘Our strategy and our schemes are fully laid out,’ underlining that the nuclear initiative will proceed under Iranian command in spite of sanctions, assaults, and intimidations.