TEHRAN -- The Iranian Majlis on Wednesday started a closed-door debate on Iran`s joining the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The debate is also attended by Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and President of Iran`s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh.

Kharrazi and Aqazadeh are expected to brief the MPs on the protocol, as well as Iran`s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), IRNA reported.

The Islamic Republic is already a signatory to the NPT. However, the IAEA is refusing to provide Iran with the nuclear expertise that under the agency`s regulations it is entitled to receive.

The Iranian authorities have said that Tehran has always had a positive attitude toward the protocol, adding that Iran asks for removing of restrictions imposed by the West and getting access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.