TEHRAN: The development of Iran’s nuclear capabilities has reached a stage where it cannot be reversed, even in the face of potential attacks, according to Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). This assertion comes amid ongoing international scrutiny and regional tensions, particularly with Israel.
According to Trend News Agency, Kamalvandi responded to allegations of assaults on Iran’s nuclear facilities by emphasizing the robustness and resilience of these installations. He assured that the AEOI has prepared for any scenario, underscoring that the design of Iran’s nuclear facilities minimizes potential damage from attacks. “Iran has the capability to swiftly repair any damages to its facilities, thanks to its pool of skilled experts,” Kamalvandi stated. He also highlighted that the threats of attacking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure are not new and have been consistently addressed by enhancing the facilities’ defenses.
In his statement, Kamalvandi called upon
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to uphold its responsibilities and adhere to international resolutions that prohibit attacks or threats against nuclear sites. This plea was reiterated during a recent IAEA Board of Directors meeting, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The backdrop to these developments includes a fraught geopolitical landscape. Notably, the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed upon by Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) in January 2016, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, the US’s withdrawal from this agreement in May 2018 under the Trump administration, followed by the reimposition of sanctions, has led to increased strains. The Iranian parliament consequently endorsed a strategic plan to enhance nuclear capabilities as a countermeasure, resulting in the suspension of compliance with the Additional Protocol and a significant reduction in the IAEA’s moni
toring capabilities by 20-30 percent by the end of 2020.