TEHRAN(Bazaar) – Tariq Raouf, former Director General of the Atomic Energy Agency says returning to JCPOA limits is no longer feasible nor practical, as Iran will not reverse its enrichment programme - and the US will not remove sanctions.
“Israel continues its campaign against Iran's nuclear programme; the US is likely to support Israel's continuing sabotages and attacks.,” Rauf told Bazaar news agency.
Following is the text of the Bazaar interview with Tariq Raouf.
Q: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is going to visit Iran on Thursday. What is your assessment of this trip and what will be his agenda?
A: Dg Rafael Grossi will be discussing the safeguards matters outstanding regarding Marivan, Varamin and Turquzabad; he will again ask Iran to restore IAEA electronic surveillance equipment taken off line one year ago; he will also ask for further explanations regarding the high enriched uranium (HEU) particles containing up to 83.7% U-235 found by the IAEA at Fordow. I do not think that Iran will respond positively.
Q: A few days ago, the Bloomberg news agency announced that the inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency have identified 84% enriched uranium in Iran. Iran also announced that this is normal in the enrichment process, but Iran has not produced more than 60% enrichment in the final product. What is your assessment?
A: Regarding the high enriched uranium (HEU) particles containing up to 83.7% U-235 at Fordow. The Agency informed Iran that these findings were inconsistent with the level of enrichment of the UF6 produced at FFEP, as declared by Iran, and requested Iran to clarify the origin of these HEU particles.
In a letter dated 20 February 2023, Iran informed the Agency that “unintended fluctuations in enrichment levels may have occurred during transition period at the time of commissioning the process of [60%] product (November 2022) or while replacing the feed cylinder”. Discussions between the Agency and Iran to clarify the matter are ongoing.
Q: Some argue that Grossi's trip can provide the basis for revitalizing the JCPOA. Considering the prevailing conditions, do you agree with this assessment?
A: This is highly unlikely. Returning to JCPOA limits is no longer feasible nor practical, as Iran will not reverse its enrichment programme - and the US will not remove sanctions.
Q: Some experts believe that America has already implemented Plan B against Iran and the attack on Isfahan's military industries was probably done with the coordination of America. Do you agree with this view?
A: Yes, Israel continues its campaign against Iran's nuclear programme; the US is likely to support Israel's continuing sabotages and attacks.
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