Tehran: Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has announced that Iran will approach the upcoming nuclear negotiations with dignity and authority, refusing to yield to external pressures.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Eslami made these remarks during an interview on national television to mark the 19th National Nuclear Technology Day. During the interview, he elaborated on the latest achievements of Iran's nuclear industry and other related issues. The broadcast came ahead of the indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding the Iranian nuclear energy program, scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday.

Eslami reiterated Iran's commitment to advancing its nuclear program, emphasizing that while interaction is always on the table, it will be conducted from a position of strength. He also mentioned that the talks in Oman would be politically driven and led by the Foreign Ministry, with AEOI representatives joining the nuclear negotiations whenever deemed necessary by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Responding to suggestions by some U.S. officials about implementing the 'Libyan model' for Iran's nuclear program, Eslami dismissed these as baseless. He stated, 'No one has the right to compare the Islamic Republic of Iran with any other country. Iran, the Iranian people, and its power and capacity are not comparable with any country.'

Eslami further declared that Iran is a land of 'dignity, independence, and advancement,' and will continue its path resolutely. He added that such remarks will neither deter nor affect the determination of the Iranian nation. Regarding the possibility of the West demanding 'zero uranium enrichment' or the dismantling of Iran's nuclear facilities, Eslami remarked, 'Raising such issues is more like a joke.'

Additionally, Eslami confirmed that Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is expected to visit Tehran soon for discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The visit is anticipated to occur next week or early the following week, although the agenda has not yet been finalized.

Eslami stressed that Iran-IAEA interactions are technical and adhere to the Safeguards Agreement and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), warning against the politicization of issues. 'We do not have any problem with the IAEA. Our ties are completely routine and within a legal framework,' he noted, emphasizing that the director general of the agency should refrain from politicizing issues as it falls outside his technical and legal responsibilities.