Iran denies media claims on n-deal violation

An Iranian official Tuesday dismissed foreign media reports about Iran's violation of an interim nuclear deal with the world powers, saying the Islamic Republic has not installed any new parts at its Arak heavy water reactor.

Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi said that although he was unaware of any purchase of parts for the Arak facility, even if such a purchase has been made, it does not violate the interim Geneva agreement with the world powers -- the US, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany, Press TV reported.

"What has been agreed about these facilities (in the interim deal) is the non-installation of equipment and not their purchase; and Iran has not installed any new components," Kamalvandi said.

Kamalvandi's remarks came after a US magazine said Monday that Washington had evidence that Tehran was trying to buy new equipment for a key nuclear facility; however, the White House is not willing to say anything publicly about it.

It claimed that a US delegation informed a UN Security Council panel of experts monitoring Iranian sanctions in recent months that Iranian procurement agents have been increasing their efforts to illicitly obtain equipment for the IR-40 research reactor at the Arak nuclear complex.

Under a deal reached between Iran and the six world powers, Tehran would be provided some relief from sanctions in exchange for agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities.