Bans have inflicted damage on Iran environment: VP

TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (MNA) – Director of Iran's Department of the Environment Masoumeh Ebtekar says the US-led sanctions against Iran have inflicted irreparable damage on the country’s environment

“These sanctions have affected all aspects of the people’s lives, and unfortunately they have had an adverse effect on the environment as well,” Ebtekar said in a Saturday interview.

She described the environmental ramifications of the embargoes as “irreparable” and noted that following the efforts by environmental activists, the US lifted its bans on services meant for the environment and wildlife.

“We are examining and preparing a report on the negative environmental repercussions of these sanctions,” the Iranian vice president pointed out.

On September 10, the US eased some of its sanctions on humanitarian activities in Iran and athletic exchanges between Americans and Iranians.

The move announced by the US Treasury Department allows non-profit groups focused on disaster relief, wildlife conservation, human rights and similar programs to enter and work with Iran without having to apply for special permission.

It also allows Iranian and US athletes to pay for sports exchanges and matches between the two countries without a special application.

In July, the Treasury Department lifted some sanctions on a number of medical devices that can be exported to Iran without special permission.

The US, Israel, and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with the US and the European Union using the unfounded allegation as a pretext to impose illegal sanctions on Iran.

Tehran rejects the allegations, arguing that as a committed signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.