Brushing aside international criticism, Iran's chief diplomat vigorously denied that Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. At a recent meeting with potential international investors in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi defended Iran's nuclear program, saying that it was needed to meet the country's future power needs.
Iran has faced growing international pressure, led by the United States, over its nuclear activities. In late September, the European Union threatened to adopt punitive trade measures unless Iran took immediate steps to bolster international confidence in its atomic programs. Kharrazi dismissed Iran's critics when pressed on the nuclear issue during a September 24 meeting with potential investors in New York, sponsored by the international consulting firm Eurasia Group. "We do not believe that building [nuclear weapons] would bring security to Iran," he insisted.
Despite such denials, international monitors remain concerned that Iran aims to produce nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency wants Iran to sign an additional protocol to the United Nations' Nonproliferation Treaty by October 31. [For background, see the Eurasia Insight archive]. The protocol would allow IAEA experts to make surprise visits to Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran's refusal to welcome it has prompted political jousting between Tehran and Washington. Kharrazi vowed that Iranian efforts to enrich uranium were motivated by peaceful intentions. "There is a big difference between the technology to enrich uranium and the technology for a bomb," he said.
During the investor meeting, Kharrazi's adopted a combative tone when discussing US-Iranian relations. He said the Bush administration lacked appreciation for Iran's antiterrorist activities, while castigating Washington for condoning "extremist views and insulting remarks about Islam."
"It is impossible to find anyone in the region who believes the United States wants to promote democracy," he said. He added that Tehran would not consider turning suspected al Qaeda members in its custody over to the United States. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive].
Kharrazi's appearance was designed to promote Iran as an investment opportunity. He said the country expected annual economic growth of 8 percent for the next five years, and cited this growth as a need for nuclear energy. "We produce 3.8 million barrels of oil per day," he said. If the country consumed all its oil internally, he projected that it would have none left to export. "We have no choice but to diversify our sources of energy," he said. "Nuclear energy can be one source. Solar, or green, or geothermal can be another."
Kharrazi turned the domestic energy question into a discussion of the United States' respect for Iran's dignity. The technology to enrich uranium "has become a source of pride for any Iranian," he said. He painted the IAEA's concerns as a product of American "pressure." While promising to adhere to IAEA standards, he insisted that American demands for an additional protocol would not change Iran's attitude. "The Americans believe that the Additional Protocol is not enough," he said. "And if it is not enough, then why sign it?"
Rather, he argued, that the Bush administration needed to revise its approach to Tehran. "Iran is an anchor of stability," he insisted. Kharrazi implied that the stabilization of Iraq would be impossible without neighboring Iran's assistance. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive].
Under persistent questioning, he acknowledged that President Mohammed Khatami does not control the army, although he would like to. When asked if there could be changes in Iran's domestic political situation, Kharrazi replied: "It all depends."
