BICOM

Iran appeared to confirm yesterday the existence of an unpublished add-on to last year’s nuclear deal, which would allow Tehran to significantly upgrade its centrifuges by 2027, reducing the potential breakout time to nuclear armament from one year to just six months.

In remarks reported by the Fars news agency, Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif effectively confirmed the add-on, saying yesterday that “when the complete text of the document is published, it will be clear where we will stand in fifteen years”. He added that the document had been constructed by Iran’s “negotiators and industry experts” and that Iranian nuclear development is a “matter of pride”.

Zarif also strongly criticised the US, saying: “Despite spending billions in countries like Afghanistan, the Americans have not been able yet to understand this reality that the era of pressure and imposition of their will has ended.”

Quoting the founder of Iran’s Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomenei, Zarif added: “The US cannot do a damn thing and we can thwart any plot against the country by relying on our people’s power.”

Zarif’s comments and the add-on agreement will likely fuel the concerns of Israel and Sunni Arab states, who fear that the nuclear deal will only temporarily frustrate Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Yesterday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel “will not accept a nuclear weapon in Iran’s hands”, adding that “our red lines are clear”.

Last July, an accord was agreed between Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany), which is intended to see Iran curb its nuclear development over the next ten years in return for easing international sanctions. However, the agreement is vague on what may happen beyond ten years. Associated Press had reported earlier this week on the secret add-on to the deal.