WarSclerotic

Rejecting US remarks on nuke program, Iran FM says Fordow, Arak are non-negotiable, Jerusalem Post February 5, 2015

(Shortly after the November 25th “deal” was agreed upon, President Obama said essentially what Ms. Sherman said about Fordo and the heavy water reactor at Arak. — DM)

Zarif dismisses as “worthless” comments made by Wendy Sherman, chief US negotiator to the talks on Iran’s nuclear program, in which she questions need for some of Iran’s most controversial sites.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in YouTube address, November 19, 2013. Photo: YouTube Screenshot

Iran’s foreign minister on Wednesday dismissed as “worthless” comments made by Chief US Negotiator Wendy Sherman in which she questioned Iran’s need to have some of its most controversial nuclear facilities.

“Iran’s nuclear technology is non-negotiable and comments about Iran’s nuclear facilities are worthless and there is no need to negotiate or hold talks about them,” said Mohammad Javad Zarif, AFP quoted him as saying citing Iranian media.

“Those who know our peaceful objectives are also aware that we will not negotiate about our [nuclear] facilities,” Zarif added.

Sherman expressed doubt at a US Senate committee on Tuesday with regard to the necessity for Iran to have some of its nuclear facilities.

“We know that Iran does not need to have an underground, fortified enrichment facility like Fordo … [or] a heavy-water reactor at Arak to have a peaceful nuclear program.”

“Ms. Sherman should stick to the reality and stop speaking of impossible things even if it is only for domestic consumption … since reaching a solution can be hindered by such words,” Zarif said according to the report.

“The coming months will be a test of Iran’s intentions,” Sherman said at the Tuesday Senate hearing.

Sherman defended the short-term nuclear agreement, reached in Geneva in November between Iran and world powers, a negotiation she led personally.

“This is not perfect,” she said, referring to the six-month pause that began on January 20, known formally as the JointPlan of Action.

“But we agreed on a six-month program that freezes where they are, and rolls back their program in significant ways.”

The US would be willing to tolerate a “small, limited enrichment program,” Sherman added – a position that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu vehemently opposes.

Michael Wilner contributed to this report. 

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