Iran has a ‘peaceful’ nuclear policy

WITH reference to your report headlined ‘Iran: US forged atomic bomb plans’ (December 23), I wish to reiterate the sentiments of our president and foreign minister who state categorically that those “alleged” documents are indeed fabricated and are mischievously concocted in an effort to put psychological and political pressure on Iran.

This does nothing to advance political trust among nations but instead creates an atmosphere of mistrust and instability. The Islamic Republic of Iran is surrounded by countries with established nuclear programmes. The absence of any international outcry for sanctions towards those countries in pursuit of nuclear military power is in stark contrast to the near hysteria of certain western powers in demanding sanctions be placed on our country in its peaceful and legitimate pursuit of a peaceful nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly and categorically rejected all allegations by some western countries in relation to Iran’s nuclear programme.

These allegations are flawed, unfounded, malicious and irresponsible. It will achieve nothing but mistrust and unnecessary tension among international communities and engenders fear which destroys cooperation. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently insisted that its nuclear programme has always been, is and will remain in future absolutely peaceful in its efforts to produce nuclear power as a renewable source of energy.

Access to this source of energy is essential for future development. At a time of global warming concerns, the use of nuclear power as a source of energy should be pursued as a matter of priority. The treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons has recognised the inalienable right of party states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear technology without discrimination.

The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment and intention in legitimately pursuing its peaceful nuclear programme. It has always been, and will continue to be, under the monitoring of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA.

The move to place sanctions on Iran and its peoples has been clearly derived from ulterior motives and self-serving political agendas and not from so-called proliferation concerns.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will not be deterred from exercising its inalienable right to nuclear technology and nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes in accordance with the non-proliferation treaty agreement.

Fatme Ardaneh

Second Counsellor

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Dublin