Iran Cautions IAEA Against Politicization and Misuse Ahead of Crucial Meeting
As tensions mount over Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has delivered a stern warning to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ahead of its upcoming Board of Governors meeting. In a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Araghchi emphasized that Iran will not hesitate to respond appropriately if the meeting is used to advance an anti-Iran political agenda.
The Iranian Foreign Minister underscored Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the IAEA, stating that all Iranian nuclear activities remain under the agency’s oversight in accordance with the Safeguards Agreement. He asserted that there is no evidence of diversion from Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and urged Grossi to accurately reflect these realities in his reporting to the Board of Governors.
Araghchi’s warning comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran gradually scaled back its compliance with the deal’s limitations on its nuclear program.
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The Iranian diplomat cautioned against any politicization or misuse of the IAEA by certain parties, likely referring to the United States and its allies, who have been critical of Iran’s nuclear activities. He stressed that those responsible for such actions would bear full responsibility for any resulting consequences.
The upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting is seen as a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to revive the JCPOA and ease tensions between Iran and the West. The United States, under President Joe Biden, has expressed its willingness to rejoin the agreement if Iran returns to full compliance with its provisions. However, Iran has insisted that the U.S. must first lift all sanctions imposed since 2018 before it will return to the deal’s limits on its nuclear program.
As the international community watches closely, Araghchi’s warning serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the negotiations and the potential for further escalation if a diplomatic solution is not found. The IAEA, as the international body responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities, will play a crucial role in determining the path forward.
The outcome of the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting and the agency’s reporting on Iran’s nuclear program will likely have significant implications for the future of the JCPOA and the stability of the Middle East region. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community will be watching closely to see if a peaceful resolution can be found or if the situation will further deteriorate.
