Nuclear deal strengthened Iran’s defensive capabilities, claims Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that strengthening his country’s defensive capabilities was among the most important gains of the nuclear agreement signed with the world powers.

In remarks reported by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, Rouhani said that the nuclear negotiations have succeeded in changing the military sanctions imposed on Iran under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and turned them into a temporary ban lasting several years. This, he claimed, allows Iran to purchase any weapon it wants in coordination with the concerned authorities.

The president said that the West wants to dismantle the Iranian nuclear programme and suspend uranium enrichment similar to what has happened in Libya. The ban, he suggested, has been used as a pretext to achieve that goal.

“Today, we continue our nuclear activity in Iran and work is continuing in Natanz, Arak, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear facilities,” said Rouhani. “Not only that, but the whole world has also acknowledged Iran’s nuclear programme and resolution 2231 called on all countries of the world to cooperate with Iran.”

The Iranian leader noted that the nuclear deal has had an impact on Iran’s relations with the world. It has, he added, also encouraged some world’s leaders who had previously refused to visit Iran to go to Tehran and meet with Iranian officials.