Iran will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but issues related to the country’s defense programs are non-negotiable, the Islamic Republic’s envoy to the UN said.

Iran will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but issues related to the country’s defense programs are non-negotiable, the Islamic Republic’s envoy to the UN said.

“Based on our principled position, we continue to cooperate with the IAEA on clarifying some of the ambiguities. However, as stated by Iran’s high-ranking officials, areas related to our national security like the defense capabilities are not subjected to any negotiations at any level,” said Iran’s deputy ambassador to the UN, Gholam-Hossein Dehqani.

The senior Iranian diplomat made the remarks in an address to a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, Press TV reported.

The Iranian envoy also urged the IAEA to be impartial and respect the right of Tehran to develop peaceful nuclear energy, adding, “Observing full impartiality and conducting the technical mandate of the IAEA is essential for preserving its authority and credibility and member states’ trust.”

He further said that “the inalienable right of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) members to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy, including national nuclear fuel cycles for peaceful purposes, must be respected by all.”