The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have collectively voiced their strong condemnation of threats directed at Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They have implored Iran to ensure the safety of the Agency’s personnel operating within its borders.
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In a joint statement from their foreign affairs ministries, they stated, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce the threats against the Director General of the IAEA and reaffirm our unwavering support for the Agency as well as for Mr. Grossi in executing their mandate.
They further urged Iranian authorities to refrain from any actions that could disrupt cooperation with the IAEA, emphasizing the necessity for Iran to quickly resume full compliance with its legally binding commitments and to take all needed measures to safeguard IAEA staff.
While the statement highlighted these concerns, it did not detail the specific threats made against Mr. Grossi.
Responding to these developments, Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, questioned, How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency’s inspectors when Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked just days ago?
Earlier this month, the IAEA board voted to declare that Iran was in contravention of its obligations under the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have indicated that this vote may have contributed to the recent attacks by Israel.
Baghaei went on to highlight that a parliamentary bill, approved by the Guardian Council, mandates the Tehran government to pause its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran should not be expected to uphold its duties under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while the UN nuclear agency fails to condemn the assaults on Iran’s nuclear installations,
he remarked.
In another context, Iran criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s fluctuating stance regarding the potential lifting of economic sanctions, labeling his remarks as games
that do not genuinely aim to resolve ongoing issues.
Baghaei stated, These statements by Trump should be understood more as psychological and media games rather than serious propositions for dialogue or resolution.
These comments emerged following Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister’s declaration that discussions with Washington cannot resume unless the U.S. unequivocally rules out further military actions. Majid Takht-Ravanchi informed the BBC that while the U.S. has indicated a willingness to return to negotiations, We have not agreed on a date, nor have we determined the format.
He continued, At this point, we are looking for clarification: Are we going to see acts of aggression while we are trying to engage in dialogue?
He emphasized that the U.S. must be clear on this critical issue.
The ongoing tensions are underscored by the fact that just earlier this month, discussions regarding Tehran’s nuclear program were ongoing when the strikes occurred. Takht-Ravanchi also indicated that the U.S. has signaled its disinterest in pursuing regime change by targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He asserted, Iran should continue to have the right to enrich uranium. While we can discuss the level and capacity of enrichment, the demand for zero enrichment accompanied by threats of military action is nothing short of the law of the jungle.
As Israel warns that Iran’s nuclear program is nearing weapons capability, Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are strictly for peaceful purposes.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
