No Legal Bar for Iran to Enrich Uranium: US-Based Author

“…there is no legal bar to Iran resuming 20 percent enrichment. -- this has been a voluntary self-limitation under the JCPOA on a temporary basis and now that the agreement is falling apart due to West 's collective failure, Iran is free to exercise its NPT rights in full,” Afrasiabi told Tasnim.

Following is the full text of the interview.

Tasnim: Iran recently announced that it will begin suspending more nuclear commitments and surpass uranium stockpile limit set by JCPOA from July 7. It means that Tehran will no longer be bound by its commitment to enrich uranium up to 3.67 percent and will begin developing its Arak heavy water reactor based on its pre-JCPOA plans. The West, Washington in particular, has been seeking to create the image that the move by Iran is tantamount to a nuclear breakout. This is while Tehran insists that the steady suspension of commitments is in line with the country’s non-military objectives and plans to reach scientific independence. What is your take on this?

Afrasiabi: Iran's decisions are proportionate responses to the other side's failures with respect to JCPOA and should not be misinterpreted as a proliferation concern. Iran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful and the IAEA has unique access to Iran's facilities. But, if the West persists with its unreasonable approach, then it is a sure bet that the agreement will disappear and a new round of nuclear crisis will ensue.

Tasnim: Given the fact that the US sanctions have restricted Iran's access to medical and health services, do not you think that Iran reserves the right to return to the 20-percent enrichment and produce radiopharmaceuticals?

Afrasiabi: I agree and like to add that there is no legal bar to Iran resuming 20 percent enrichment. -- this has been a voluntary self-limitation under the JCPOA on a temporary basis and now that the agreement is falling apart due to West 's collective failure, Iran is free to exercise its NPT rights in full.

Tasnim: US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Iran “can’t have nuclear weapons”. Iranian officials and experts argue that the US’s main aim is not to halt the country’s nuclear and military programs but to deprive it of nuclear technology and know-how. What are your thoughts on this?

Afrasiabi: A country that sits on thousands of nuclear warheads and openly renounces disarmament goals of the NPT has no right to preach non-proliferation to other countries. Trump is presently enabling a nascent Saudi proliferation drive while simultaneously giving hegemonic Riyadh a carte blanche in the region and selling billions of US arms under the veneer of Iran threat. His foreign policy indeed leaves a lot to be desired, is imbalanced and consumed by Iranophobia. A restructuring of US policy toward Iran is called for on the basis of mutual respect and national interests of both countries. That would mean a US respect for Iran's nuclear rights as well, which is sadly missing at the moment.