In a statement made on Wednesday, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami announced his intentions to reinstate activity of the Iran's uranium conversion plant in Isfahan, regardless of European opposition.
Despite both US and European concerns that such a program will serve Iran's military purposes, Iran contends that any nuclear activity will serve the energy needs of the nation, fueling power stations for civilian use. Iranian officials told reporters on Wednesday that Iran could never forfeit its right to domestic nuclear production.
"Whether Europeans mention our right to resume activities at Isfahan or not, we will definitely resume it regardless" Khatami added.
The announcement comes in the wake of a statement made on Tuesday by South African President Thabo Mbeki, stressing the right of Iran to use nuclear technology as a member of nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
On Tuesday Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Hassan Rowhani stated that future cooperation between Iran and Europe would depend on the latter's respect for Iran's legal rights, IRNA reported.
