Mahmoud Farazandeh: Iran's Nuclear for Positive Purposes

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Iran falls into the category of countries that possess nuclear power. With continually growing security dilemma among many countries, it is unquestionable that possession of nuclear power is perceived to be threatening. Iranian ambassador to Indonesia Mahmoud Farazandeh on Wednesday (12/11/2014) explains Iranian actual intention on its nuclear power in an exclusive interview with Liputan6.com.

The ambassador admitted the pressure Iran gets as its possession of nuclear power continued to be seen as pejorative. For him, possessing the nuclear power is a symbol that shows that Iran is standing up for its own independence.

Independence in this case means the nuclear power is used positively for positive purposes. In an attempt to avoid suspicion among other countries, The Ambassador claimed Iran has tried to express the fact that the country has no interest in nuclear bomb and since the country is governed by the principles of Islam, the use of weapon of mass destruction is considered haram.

Iran, similar to Indonesia, is trying to uphold democracy with a touch of Islamic values. It is not part of their agenda to perform a genocide as shared by the ambassador.

“We are clear to our opponents that we do not want war, but we need nuclear technology for electricity and the development in the agricultural and medical sectors”, shared the Ambassador.

There is a common misconception about Iran’s nuclear possession. That is, with the continually emerging state- sponsored terrorism and the nuclear power is often used and abused by the wrong individuals. Thus, often leading the worldwide audience thinking that Iran uses nuclear power to build weapons of mass destruction.

But again, Mahmoud Farazandeh highlights the truth that Iran is in full support for nuclear peaceful use. Furthermore, Iran is always open for negotiations and nuclear inspections by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This already shows that Iran is being fully transparent of what they are working on within. Iran is also part of the P-5 which means one of countries with high nuclear capabilities. Thus it is not a surprise if other countries want to double check motives, trying to figure out whether or not they have ulterior ones.

He then advised that Indonesia be prepared to use the opportunity to learn more about nuclear use and its development. With Indonesian fossil fuels becoming scarce and coal is severely limited, nuclear power seems to be the only feasible alternative for power source.

Translated by: Adanti Pradita/Ein