TEHRAN – Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Saturday rejected any “secret agreement” with the IAEA for inspection of universities or other sites in Iran, saying all inspections have been carried out under the country’s commitments.

“Any state member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has accepted certain commitments under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements,” Kazem Gharibabadi said, Mehr reported.

The remarks came after the news of an IAEA inspection of a university in Iran raised eyebrows among certain political activists, with some saying the move undermines the country’s independence and national identity.

On Wednesday, Science Minister Mansour Gholami said the IAEA inspection was carried out upon a decision by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

“Such decisions are made by the Supreme National Security Council, and all organizations are required to follow them,” Gholami added.

According to Gharibabadi, all commitments under the IAEA safeguards and the Additional Protocol are the same for every country, and Iran is no exception.

“Given Iran’s voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, the country is committed to meet its obligations, and certain examinations are made within this framework and according to decisions made at high levels of the establishment,” he stated.

The envoy also said with respect to the redlines drawn by the Supreme Leader, no permit has ever been issued to allow IAEA inspectors to interview Iranian scientists, adding that the IAEA itself has not made such a request so far, “because it is fully aware of Iran’s response”.

MH/PA