SAEDNEWS: As debates over Iran’s nuclear rights and Western pressures on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework continue to dominate discussions, questions are being raised about the credibility of the global nuclear governance.
The balance between nuclear rights and obligations has become a flashpoint in West Asian security, from the controversial “snapback” mechanism to accusations of politicization within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). To explore these complex dynamics, the Tehran Times spoke exclusively with Dr. Khaled Hussein, a distinguished nuclear physicist and member of Lebanon’s National Council for Nuclear Research.
Dr. Hussein offered a detailed perspective on Iran’s rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the challenges posed by decades of sanctions, and the broader consequences of U.S. and Israeli pressure on regional stability.
“Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy and has never pursued prohibited uses,” Dr. Hussein emphasized. While Iran complies fully with international standards, he noted that others violate treaties without facing accountability, highlighting what he described as a double standard in international law.
Uranium enrichment, he explained, is vital for electricity generation and medical applications such as radiation therapy, while strengthening Iran’s energy independence and saving significant costs through local expertise.
Addressing the so-called “snapback” mechanism used by the U.S. and European powers, Dr. Hussein described it as legally inapplicable and politically motivated. He cautioned that unilateral enforcement risks isolating the U.S. and destabilizing the Mediterranean region. “Instead of destroying the 5+1 agreement, a consensual approach should be sought,” he said.
While Dr. Hussein praised IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for his experience and calm diplomacy, he acknowledged that many inspectors operate under American influence, leading to biased reporting. “Grossi maintains technical neutrality, but pressure from Washington affects the credibility of inspections,” he noted.
The expert warned that U.S. support for Israel contributes significantly to instability in the Middle East. In contrast, Iran’s nuclear program, he argued, is fully transparent, technologically advanced, and backed by a team of 50,000 nuclear experts, while Israel relies heavily on U.S. support and does not adhere to international nuclear treaties.
Dr. Hussein dismissed fears of catastrophic damage in the event of a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He stated that Iran’s twelve nuclear centers are highly fortified, and any damage would be temporary, with repairs possible using local expertise.
Dr. Hussein concluded that international nuclear oversight is currently skewed toward the interests of Washington, often undermining the rights of both nuclear and non-nuclear states. Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of diplomacy, technical monitoring, and dialogue in maintaining a balance between international obligations and national rights.
This interview underscores Iran’s determination to pursue peaceful nuclear energy while navigating complex international pressures, highlighting the ongoing debate over fairness, sovereignty, and regional security in the nuclear arena.
