BICOM

Reuters claims that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) planned a major report on Iran’s suspected atomic bomb research, but postponed it for fear that it would damage diplomatic progress between Tehran and the international community.

Apparently, the report was prepared last year and shed more light on the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme. Reuters’ sources say that the report would have added greater detail over alleged research and experiments which were covered in a November 2011 IAEA report. One source said the report, planned last year, would have “reinforced the concern” over Iran’s nuclear development.

However, it came about at a time when relations were thawing between Iran and the West in the aftermath of President Rouhani’s election last summer and apparently the report’s publication would have angered Iran greatly. Although the IAEA reports independently of talks between Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany), the two processes often impact one another.

Casting further doubt on Iran’s nuclear intentions, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif yesterday signalled that Tehran will not agree to dismantle any of its atomic facilities during negotiations with the international community. Despite apparent agreement between the two sides last week in Vienna on a framework and agenda for talks to reach a longer-term solution over Iran’s nuclear development, Zarif’s comments indicate that Iran has no intention of dismantling its atomic capability.

Speaking to reporters in New Dehli, Zarif said that talks with the P5+1 powers had got off to a “good start.” However, he commented that there is a “problem in terms of both substance and approach” to the talks, an apparent reference to P5+1 demands. He explained that although Iran will “make sure that the [atomic] programme is exclusively peaceful … I can tell you that Iran’s nuclear programme will remain intact. We will not close any programme.”