TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, the Deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) rejected claims that the country’s nuclear program is not fully transparent.

“We have made it clear since day one that our nuclear activities are nothing but peaceful. Every time the IAEA asked us for clarifications we provided them with answers. Nothing has changed. Tell us which part of our nuclear program is not transparent and we will prove that it is. As the Leader of the Islamic Revolution once said, ‘The West knows very well that it’s lying about our nuclear activities’,” Pejman Shirmardi stated.

The official made the remarks after the UN nuclear watchdog accused Iran of not being completely transparent with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Iran is presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course, this increases dangers,” Rafael Mariano Grossi said during a summit earlier this month.

Grossi’s comments seemed to be in response to a former Iranian official’s remarks, who said that Iran had pieces for a nuclear weapon in its hands.

The IAEA Director-General’s reaction to the comments of an ex-official in Iran comes as he has chosen to ignore Israel’s alarming nuclear threats against Palestinians in the past months. Israel’s so-called heritage minister has suggested twice since the start of the war in Gaza that the enclave should be destroyed with the help of nuclear weapons.

The threat was an open admission to Israel’s possession of a nuclear arsenal. IAEA inspectors have never sought to inspect Israel’s nuclear sites despite repeated calls from regional countries that feel insecure due to the regime’s warmongering policies.

The AEOI deputy head also commented on reports of Iran and Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in the nuclear field, saying Tehran is always ready to transfer its knowledge to regional and friendly countries. “Our nuclear program is focused on improving the everyday lives of people. That’s why we are always willing to share our knowledge and provide other countries with services or products,” the official added.