The Iranian news agency ISNA reported that Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, stated that Massimo Aparo, the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, held consultations in Tehran with an Iranian delegation. This delegation included the Director General of the Department of Peace and International Security in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an advisor from the Atomic Energy Organization, to discuss ways of cooperation between Iran and the agency.
Gharibabadi added that both sides agreed to continue consultations in light of what was discussed in the meeting.
The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs noted that the Iranian delegation expressed strong criticism and objection to the agency’s failure to fulfill its duties during the aggressive attacks by Israel and the United States. The delegation informed the UN group of Iran’s demands for the need to reform the flawed mechanisms prevailing in the agency’s handling of the Iranian nuclear file.
Iran decided to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency until the safety of scientists is secured, according to standards and a timetable set by the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. This decision followed the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US and Israel during a 12-day war last June.
In July, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is a priority. However, he clarified that cooperation with the International Agency will be managed by the Supreme National Security Council of Iran for safety and security reasons.
