Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mohammad Eslami said the issue of enrichment has once again been mooted, with some calling for it to be placed on the negotiating agenda.

“How can we have the nuclear industry without having the starting point of the nuclear process?” he asked, stressing that “the nuclear industry is the driving force of science and technology.”

Eslami said even the US has prioritized nuclear technology in its national development, security and defense documents, while countries around the world are rapidly pursuing the technology.

He emphasized that the undeniable issue is the progress of the Iranian nation. “The Iranian nation is not a left-behind nation; it is at the forefront and possesses great talent and capacity.”

“The right of the Iranian nation to progress and be present at the frontiers of knowledge is its right, and we will not back down on this,” Eslami underlined.

Asked about US threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the AEOI chief said such threats are not new, noting that the US has been making them for years and has even carried out operations against Iran.

He stressed that Iran’s people and country are resilient, adding that the country’s nuclear program is conducted in accordance with safeguards regulations and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), with “no deviation” in the program.

Eslami further said the campaign of pressure surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities indicates that those making the claims have reached “the end of the line” in their position and have nothing else to say.