MANAMA: Islamic Republic of Iran has had the capability to develop a nuclear weapon but never intends to seek weapons of mass destructions, according to an Iranian expert.
“There no doubt about the nuclear enrichment capabilities of the Iranian labs and the self-constraint policy Iran never went on the path of developing the nuclear weapons,” Seyed Hussain Mousavian, Research Scholar, Princeton University; Former Head of Foreign Relations Committee, Supreme National Security Council, Iran on the sidelines of the IISS 10th Manama Dialogue told The24X7News Bahrain (www.twentyfoursevennews.com).
“Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons and weapons of mass destruction during Iraq-Iran war against Iranian people killing or seriously injuring 100,000 innocent civilians and Iran restrained to reply in the same coin due to Ayotullah Khomeini’s vision,” he said, adding that it was not the fear of the US or West but teachings of Islam which restrained this great nation to be on the path of peace.
“The 35 years hostile approach of the West and the US to persecute Iran by imposing sanctions has had help Iran to emerge as a stronger nation than ever but not to react wrongfully in return,” he said, adding that Iran was keen on securing a solution its nuclear standoff with the West and the US.
“We wish to secure a deal bringing an end to the Western policy to isolate Iran economically from the rest of the world,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing negotiations, he said that Tehran has met all conditions and guidelines of the NPT and IAEA charter to secure a deal on Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy plan.
“We are committed to the ongoing talks with the US and West and the United States demand for beyond the NPT and IAEA remains one of the irritants in smooth conclusion of the talks on many occassions,” he added, and hoped that this time things seem quite optimistic for securing a deal and ending the 35 years sanctions on Iran.
This time, he added, that the US and the West must have realized that their stance on Iran perhaps was not based on saner approach.
“We need to end the environment of mistrust between Iran and the rest of the world,” he added.