Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghe said today that the Iranian parliament is preparing a law to abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), adding that Tehran remains opposed to developing weapons of mass destruction.
Iran’s secret uranium enrichment program was revealed in 2002, raising concerns that it is seeking to develop a nuclear bomb in violation of its obligations under the NPT, which Tehran denies.
–Iran claims no nuclear military ambitions-
Western countries, led by the United States, and Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, suspect Tehran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons. Tehran denies having such military ambitions, but at the same time recalls and emphasizes its right to use nuclear energy for civilian purposes in accordance with the provisions of the NPT.
However, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons, and enriches uranium to a high level of 60 percent, according to the IAEA.
Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States scheduled for Sunday in the Omani capital of Muscat were canceled after Israel launched Operation Lion Rise on Friday morning with a surprise attack that eliminated part of Iran’s military leadership and damaged nuclear facilities.
-“We will open the gates of hell”-
Israel said the campaign would intensify in the coming days, and Iran vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his government saw no point in continuing negotiations after a major attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran on Monday called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn Israel after the attack on its nuclear facilities. “The country’s peaceful nuclear facilities that were under constant supervision by the IAEA were attacked. We expect (the agency and its head Rafael Grossi) to take a firm stance condemning this act” during an emergency meeting today, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai said.
