Khatibzadeh made the remarks on Wednesday in response to a question on what Iran’s stance is now that AUKUS is put on agenda of talks at the ongoing meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
The Iranian diplomat said that the IAEA, as a specialized body, is tasked with helping its member states possess peaceful nuclear energy and prevent proliferation.
He added that all signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the NPT, have the right to use peaceful nuclear energy program.
Khatibzadeh stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to double-standards by the West, especially the US and the UK, in dealing with the NPT members, and highlights Australia’s “negative” history in non-proliferation in the past.
“AUKUS can potentially increase the risk of nuclear proliferation. In this regard, keeping silent as well as acting secretly or giving political justification by certain countries will not help alleviate concerns.”
He added that Iran wants these countries to remain committed to their NPT obligations, and invites all nations to cooperate to thwart threats posed by nuclear proliferation.
The Iranian diplomat said that his country backs the proposal that calls for addressing the risks posed by AUKUS at the IAEA Board of Governors.
China made that proposal, with the country expressing concern over the nuclear weapon material transfer involved in AUKUS.
Washington, London and Canberra announced the trilateral deal on September 15, 2021, under which the US and the UK will help Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines.
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