 "Iran admits 'extensive and serious' damage to its nuclear programme")
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has admitted that US strikes on the country’s nuclear programme have left behind a trail of “extensive and serious” damage, proving US President Donald Trump’s claims right.
“I must say the damage is extensive and serious, but whether IAEA inspectors should come and be fully informed is a decision that must be made in accordance with the parliament’s law,” Araghchi told Iran’s state news channel IRINN.
His comments came as Iran steps closer to approving a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.
On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. The bill, which Iran’s unelected Guardian Council must approve to become law, stipulates that any future inspection by the IAEA would need approval by the Supreme National Security Council.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf was quoted by state media as also saying Iran would accelerate its civilian nuclear programme. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says an IAEA resolution this month declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations paved the way for Israel’s attacks.
Araghchi, meanwhile, said on Thursday that the bill suspending cooperation with the IAEA has now become a law after being passed by lawmakers and approved by a top vetting body.
“The bill that was approved by (parliament) and has been approved by the Guardian Council today… is binding on us and there is no doubt about its implementation,” he told state television. “From now on, our relationship and cooperation with the (International Atomic Energy) Agency will take a new form.”
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