Iran has resumed uranium enrichment for research purposes and this decision is irreversible, a senior Iranian nuclear official was quoted as saying Friday. Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh, made the remark in an interview with Germany's Stern magazine.
"The Iranian government will show reaction if the UN Security Council makes decisions which will threaten Iran's security and national interests. "Several Iranian officials including MPs ask whether Iran should pull out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or not. "This is while India and Israel have not signed the NPT and were not punished for this measure. Although Iran signed the treaty, it is directed by criticism," Soltaniyeh said.
Asked about measures Iran would adopt to remove tension, he added, "There is still the opportunity the UN Security Council will return Iran's nuclear case to the IAEA. In that case, ways will open for next talks which will concentrate on all concerns of Europe and others."
Asked about President Ahmadinejad's statement to wipe Israel off the world map, the official stated, "Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei determines Iran's policies. Ayatollah Khamenei said some two years ago that if Jews, Muslims and Christians would gather and choose a democratic government, Iran would respect it. "We are against the behavior of the Zionists. We are not against the Jews," the Iranian diplomat concluded.
