‘Iran has right to enrich in line with NPT’ - Gayo Lues

“Within the framework of the NPT, Iran has the right to enrich uranium to 20 percent, five percent and 20 percent. There is no difference between the two,” Marandi said.

The analyst also explained that the Islamic Republic would continue to pursue its rights.

“[EU foreign policy chief Catherine] Ashton had effectively agreed to this in the first round in Istanbul when she said that the P5+1 agrees [to] Iran’s right within the framework of the NPT and that’s exactly what Iran wants and that includes enriching uranium to 20 percent,” he added.

Iran and the P5+1 — China, Russia, Britain, France, and the US plus Germany — are negotiating in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad on Wednesday.

“What the Iranians want is their right within the framework of the NPT and the removal of all the sanctions. The Western powers will definitely play hard ball, but the Iranians have rights. They’ve made many sacrifices and they’re not going to give up their rights as a sovereign and an independent country,” Marandi concluded.

Last month, Iran and the P5+1 talked in the Turkish city of Istanbul where both sides hailed the discussions as constructive.

AGB/HGH/AZ