Iran will continue nuclear arms program — envoy

Iran will continue to engage in uranium-enrichment activities despite a deadline from the United Nations (UN) to suspend its nuclear program, the Iranian ambassador said yesterday.

Ambassador Jalal Kalantari said his government is ready to defy the UN’s ultimatum because the world body has no legal foundation in involving itself in Iran’s nuclear program.

"We are of the view that there is no legal foundation for the resolution adopted against us," he said. "We believe there is no legal basis to involve UNSC aimed at putting pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear program."

Kalantari said although Iran is ready to negotiate, he hopes that the UN will recognize his country’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program.

Iran will engage in negotiations only if the talks would be based on recognizing its right to enriching and possession of nuclear fuel within a definite time frame, he added.

Kalandari said Iran wants to enjoy its right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which has been denied it for more than two decades.

Iran will not use its nuclear energy program to develop weapons of mass destruction, he added. — Pia Lee-Brago