PMD Case Closure Prerequisite for JCPOA Implementation: Zarif
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s foreign minister reaffirmed on Sunday that a final nuclear deal with the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) cannot take effect unless the case on the so-called PMD (possible military dimensions) in Tehran’s nuclear program is closed.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart in Tehran, Mohammad Javad Zarif said it is wrong to use the term ‘PMD’ when talking about Iran’s case, since the country’s nuclear program has not basically covered any military dimensions.
“We have always announced that the issues raised about the Iranian nuclear program’s past lack validity,” Zarif stressed.
“Closure of the (PMD) case is necessary for continuation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) implementation,” he stated, adding that it is part of the undertakings of the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France, and Germany) under the JCPOA.
He said Iran waits to see the International Atomic Energy Agency director general’s final report on the evaluation of Iran’s nuclear activities and the IAEA Board of Governors’ consequent decision, adding, “The agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran has answered all questions relating to the Road-map.”
As part of a Road-map signed between Iran and the IAEA in July, the agency is required to finish its investigations about Iran’s nuclear activities and submit a report to the Board of Governors by December 15.
The Road-map was signed on the same day that Tehran and the six countries reached a conclusion on a lasting nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA.
The IAEA has been given the role of verifying Iran’s commitments under the lasting nuclear deal.
The agreement was officially adopted on October 18, and is going to take effect within the next few weeks, after the IAEA releases its final report.