Iran’s top leader refuses long-term N-research freeze

Tehran, June 24

Iran’s top leader has hardened his stance in nuclear negotiations with world powers as a deadline for a final deal rapidly approach, saying he rejects a long-term freeze on nuclear research and wants to ban international inspectors from accessing military sites.

The comments by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who repeatedly has backed the Islamic Republic’s negotiators amid criticism from hard-liners, may give his diplomats little room for concessions ahead of the June 30 deadline.

They also directly challenge the US, especially his demand that Iran only will sign a final deal if economic sanctions are first lifted.

Iran’s Parliament already has passed a bill that, if ratified, will ban access to military sites, documents and its scientists as part of any future deal. The bill must be ratified by the Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog, to become a law.

Speaking last night in comments broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei called demands Iran halt the research and development portion of its nuclear programme “excessive coercion.”

“We don’t accept 10-year restriction. We have told the negotiating team how many specific years of restrictions are acceptable,” Khamenei said. “Research and development must continue during the years of restrictions.”

Khamenei accused the US of offering a “complicated formula” for lifting sanctions. He added waiting for the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency to verify its cooperation would take too long. — AFP