The head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday emphasized: "We do not accept renegotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)".
Salehi also stressed that "simultaneity of JCPOA and sanctions is not possible", as indicated by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Speaking at a press conference he said: "We have not done anything against safeguards. I ask the other side not to test the will of our people. Our people have shown their will and determination in the past"
He added, we are now taking steps that are not against JCPOA. We can now add to our UF6 storage, a move that is in the framework of JCPOA.
Salehi added: "We must be ready for supplying fuel of Bushehr power plant. We did not break the bridges behind us and did not lose our time. We are prepared for any scenario, either with or without the JCPOA."
The Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said that Iran will start manufacturing new centrifuges in Natanz on 6 June, following the Leader's directives.
“We are expected to start manufacturing new centrifuges in Natanz by tomorrow,” stated Salehi.
“Yesterday, the Leader issued a decree ordering the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to carry out some activities and speed up some measures which are within the framework of the JCPOA and not outside of the agreement,” the Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization added.
“Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and based on Leader’s Fatwa (religious decree). According to this Fatwa, manufacturing and restoring nuclear weapons is haram (strongly forbidden) for our country and we always consider ourselves abiding by this principle and we will never violate it,” stressed Salehi.
He underscored that generating electricity from nuclear power and providing fuel for nuclear plants are the two main objectives of the AEOI, adding that industrializing the country's nuclear activities is also of significance to the Atomic Energy Organization.
“Nuclear technology is a dual-use technology. Wherever developed, to the public opinion, it can be used for both peaceful and non-peaceful purposes. We are after a peaceful use of this technology, but unfortunately the West is turning it into a point of weakness for us. This technology can be used in areas of industry, agriculture, and medicine,” stated Salehi.
US President Donald Trump officially declared America's withdrawal from the JCPOA on 8 May 2018.
EU powers have scrambled to save the JCPOA and protect their businesses in Iran, after re-imposition of US sanctions.
