Iran's FM: We Did Not Agree to Dismantle Anything in Nuclear Deal

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2014-01-23

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran did not agree to dismantle anything in the recent nuclear deal with the United States and five other countries.

Zarif told CNN television Wednesday that the White House version of the agreement "overplays Iranian commitments."

Zarif said Iran is not dismantling any centrifuges or equipment. He says all Iran is doing is not enriching uranium over 5 percent. Anything above that could be used to build a nuclear weapon.

Zarif said the White House is trying to portray the deal as a dismantling of Iran's nuclear program. He challenged anyone to find the word "dismantling" in the text of the treaty.

U.S. officials have not yet responded to the Zarif interview.

Iran agreed with Germany and the five permanent United Nations Security Council members - Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States - to stop enriching uranium that could be used in a nuclear weapon. In exchange, the United States and European Union are easing some sanctions against Iran.

The agreement will last for six months while talks continue on a permanent deal.

The U.S. has accused Iran of trying to build a nuclear bomb. Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful civilian purposes.

Source: Voice of America

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