Iranian President Mohammad Khatami declared in September 2004 that his country would press ahead with its nuclear program regardless of whether international oversight continued, signaling defiance after a critical resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Vienna-based watchdog had ordered Iran to suspend uranium enrichment activities, which can serve both civilian energy and weapons development purposes. The IAEA sought a halt pending completion of its investigation, even though the Non-Proliferation Treaty permits such work when conducted for peaceful ends.
Speaking at a military parade marking the anniversary of the 1980 Iran-Iraq war, Khatami said international recognition of Iran's legal rights was a prerequisite for accepting full international monitoring. Without that recognition, he warned, Iran would continue its nuclear work even if inspectors were cut off.
The United States has argued that Iran's atomic energy program is a cover for weapons development. Khatami rejected that accusation, stating that pursuing nuclear weapons was contrary to Iranian religion and culture, and that his country opposed such weapons whether or not it was under supervision.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in September 2004, in its own words.