Shariatmadari Warns against Talks on “Alleged Studies”

Keyhan's Hossein Shariatmadari

The influential publisher and editor of Keyhan Hossein Shariatmadari in an editorial on Monday warned Iranian officials against falling into the trap set for them by the US and Israelis to commit themselves to negotiations over “alleged studies.” The term is used by IAEA in reference to research allegedly undertaken in Iran to build nuclear weapons.

IAEA’s Olli Heinonen arrived in Tehran today and has just concluded the first day of talks with Iran’s nuclear officials on the very “alleged studies.” The talks will continue on Tuesday. Shariatmadari criticized the government for holding the talks.

“What is deploring and surprising is that our officials [in charge of the nuclear program] would agree to Heinonen’s visit,’ said Shariatmadari in his editorial.

Shariatmadari sees Heinonen’s visit as an affront to Iran’s independence. He argues that the country’s foreign policy should be wise and should be based on its national interests, and, probably above all, it should take Iran’s honor and glory into account. It’s Iran’s honor and glory that can be compromised by Heinonen’s visit.