Iran dismisses claims on developing atomic bomb

Tehran, March 2, IRNA -

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi dismissed on Monday the
recent claims made by Western media that Tehran was to produce atomic
bomb.

Qashqavi termed any report in this regard as ?baseless? and ?untechnical.?

?We have repeatedly said that manufacturing atomic bombs has no place
in our defensive doctrine,? Qashqavi told reporters at his weekly
press conference.

He made the remarks commenting on the recent reports by Western media
quoting US Navy Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff as saying that ?Iran had enough fissile material for a
nuclear weapon.?


The spokesman said, ?another US official, Defense Secretary Robert
Gates, rejected Mullen?s remarks immediately after he made the
comments? about Iran?s nuclear capability.



Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Gates said, ?Tehran was
not close to building atomic weapon. They are not close to a
stockpile; they are not close to a weapon at this point.?

Gates also emphasized a diplomatic solution for Iran?s nuclear row
with the West.

Qashqavi reiterated that Tehran?s nuclear activities were carried out
under direct supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) and within the reach of its surveillance cameras.

Noting that Iran?s enrichment level was 3-4 percent, Qashqavi asked,
?how is it possible that the enrichment level of 3-4 percent suddenly
mounts to 90 percent?? the level which is needed to produce an atomic
bomb.


Reiterating that Tehran's nulcear program was only for civil purposes
and generating electricity, the spokesman stressed, ?Iran favors a
world free from weapons of mass destruction.?

End