IAEA shouldn't be used by West to pressure Iran: AEOI chief
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Iran's Atomic Energy Organization chief urges the IAEA to be impartial, during a meeting with the IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
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International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, right, arrives for a meeting with head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami, Tehran, March 4, 2023 (AP)
Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), held a crucial meeting with the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on the sidelines of the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna on Monday, Mehr news agency reported.
During their discussions, Eslami and Grossi deliberated on avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.
Eslami critiqued the approach followed by Western countries to use the IAEA as a tool of pressure against Iran.
Read more: Iran defends decision to withdraw IAEA nuclear facilities inspectors
"Those countries are trying to use the Agency's potential to pressure Iran through exercising political pressure and resorting to sanctions," Eslami said.
Eslami appealed to the IAEA Director General to uphold impartiality and professionalism, urging him not to permit Western countries to employ the Agency's reports as a tool for exerting pressure on Iran.
The Iranian AEOI head also shed light on the extensive capabilities of Iran's nuclear technology and industry, highlighting their dedication to serving their nation.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide these potentials in the service of the Agency's plans and also to serve humanity in other parts of the world."
In a final note, Eslami underscored Iran's resilience in the face of political pressures, stating, "The oppressive political pressures exercised by Western countries against Iran have been fruitless, while the Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave any political pressure unanswered."
Read more: Raisi tells Macron to avoid unconstructive actions in IAEA talks
Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Iran intends to maintain its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has no intentions of reducing bilateral engagement.
This commitment, he noted, remains unchanged, despite the decision to revoke several IAEA experts from Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Spokesperson also stated that Iran and the IAEA would persist in their collaboration in accordance with the comprehensive safeguards agreement.
