“A delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will arrive in Tehran on Wednesday,” Ramin Mehmanparast said on Monday.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman hoped that Iran and the IAEA would reach a deal to recognize the country’s nuclear rights, adding, “We are also ready to allay concerns they may have and remove certain ambiguities.”
He pointed to the “technical” nature of talks between Tehran and the IAEA, noting that Iran is a committed member of the IAEA and has always been a pioneer in implementing its regulations such as the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament.
Top officials from Iran and the IAEA held talks over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy program on December 13, 2012.
Following the meeting, IAEA Deputy Director General Herman Nackaerts said progress had been made during the talks.
The visit by the IAEA delegation to Tehran comes ahead of fresh round of talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- China, Russia, Britain, France and the US -- plus Germany (P5+1), possibly later in January.
Iran and the six major world powers have held several rounds of talks with the main focus being on Iran’s nuclear energy program. The last round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 was held in Moscow in June, 2012.
Mehmanparast said negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 have gone off technical and legal tracks because if the P5+1 focused on technical issues, Iran would be ready to do the same.
“In legal terms, we consider it our right to continue peaceful nuclear activities.”
The Iranian spokesperson pointed out that recognition of the Islamic Republic’s rights and putting an end to pressure on the country would be the best solution.
Mehmanparast noted that the exact date and venue of the next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 have not been determined yet.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.
Iran argues that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the IAEA, it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
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