Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran will never surrender to threats or coercion during a General Assembly speech on Friday addressing a report by the UN nuclear agency urging to restore international inspections.
Iravani said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) insists on access and inspection of attacked sites, but that requires new “modalities” to ensure the safety of the nuclear sites and their staff.
The IAEA's November report highlights Iran's denial of access to seven attacked nuclear sites for five months, voiding a September access deal and eroding safeguards verification.
Iravani criticized the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran triggered by European powers, saying the a mechanism to reinstate them was based on a lapsed nuclear agreement.
“Resolution 2231 expired permanently in October, ending all related restrictions. Any attempt to revive or reimplement them is an illegal abuse of procedures and must be firmly rejected by this assembly and the Secretary-General,” Iravani said in a speech published by official media.
Under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, any participant in the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) - the E3 (France, Germany, UK), Russia, China or the United States could file a non-compliance complaint with the UN Security Council.
The E3 initiated the non-compliance process in August, and UN sanctions were fully activated and reimposed in September.
“The action by the three European countries to activate the so-called ‘trigger’ mechanism is an illegal, reckless move aimed at destroying the last bridge of diplomacy, and thus lacks any validity,” Iravani said.
'Inspection mdalities'
Iravani condemned Israel's June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and subsequent US attacks, demanding condemnation from UN and IAEA officials.
The IAEA report also criticizes Iran's nuclear program for non-compliance, citing undeclared uranium traces at secret sites and stockpiles of 440.9 kg (972 pounds) enriched to 60% purity.
A 12-day war in June killed hundreds of military personnel and civilians; Iranian counterattacks killed 32 Israeli civilians and an off-duty soldier.
"Our response is only to respect, the rule of law, and equality. Military aggression and economic terrorism will never force Iran to forgo its legitimate rights,” Iravani said.
Iran says as a participant in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it has the right to pursue uranium enrichment, which the West disputes.
Tehran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, citing a religious decree by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei; it rejects giving up its nuclear activities and has said discussions on its defense posture are a non-starter.
G7 foreign ministers urged Iran to fully comply with UN resolutions and NPT obligations during their Niagara summit on Tuesday, calling for renewed IAEA cooperation and direct US engagement backed by the E3.
