The Iranian news agency “ISNA” reported that Kazem Gharib Abadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, explained that Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held consultations in Tehran with an Iranian delegation. This delegation included the Director General of the Department of Peace and International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an advisor from the Atomic Energy Organization, to discuss ways of cooperation between Iran and the agency.
Gharib Abadi added that both sides “agreed to continue consultations in light of the discussions held during the meeting.” He noted that the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs expressed the Iranian delegation’s strong criticism and objection to the agency’s failure to fulfill its duties during the aggressive attack by Israel and the United States. The Iranian delegation informed the UN delegation of Iran’s demands for the need to amend the prevailing faulty mechanisms in the agency’s handling of the Iranian nuclear file.
Iran decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of scientists is secured, according to standards and a timeline set by the Iranian Supreme National Security Council. This decision followed the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the US and Israel during a 12-day war in June last year.
In July, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is crucial, but he clarified that cooperation with the IAEA would be managed through the Iranian Supreme National Security Council for reasons related to safety and security.
