We “will never, ever suspend our activities, including [uranium] enrichment”

Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran is not after acquiring military atomic technology but resolute to continue with its nuclear energy program.

In an interview with Fox News television channel, Ali Asghar Soltanieh said the Islamic Republic “has not been pursuing a nuclear weapon”. We “will never, ever suspend our activities, including [uranium] enrichment,” he added.

Pointing to the “politicized” debate on the Parchin site, Soltanieh stressed that while Tehran is willing to cooperate with the IAEA on its nuclear energy program, it will not accede to any demand to visit its military facilities. “We cannot permit each time any country wants to knock at the door and wants to go to our military sites,” he said.

He went on to say that Western sanctions against Iran over its nuclear activities have been ineffective. “We are more determined to pursue our nuclear activities.”

Soltanieh also downplayed threats of a military attack against Iranian nuclear sites and reiterated that Tehran would give “a strong response with an iron fist” to any such venture. “Nobody would dare attack Iran,” he said.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Saturday in a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal that the next round of talks between Iran and the six major world powers will be held in mid-April (April 13-14).