IAEA to be held accountable for pre-strike Iran assessments: Lavrov
3 Min Read
Russia's foreign minister accuses the IAEA of issuing ambiguous and politicized assessments on Iran just before recent strikes.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gestures during a joint news conference with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry following their talks in Cairo, Egypt, on July 24, 2022. (AP)
The leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should be held accountable for its assessments issued just days before recent strikes on Iran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Monday, calling them ambiguous and open to misinterpretation.
Speaking at a press conference following the BRICS summit, Lavrov criticized the IAEA’s recent reports, which he claimed differ from earlier, clearer assessments and could imply that Iran is not fully meeting its obligations.
"These assessments have been characterized by many as ambiguous. Unlike the previous reports of the secretariat, they are open to interpretation, implying that Iran is not conscientiously fulfilling its obligations," he said.
Lavrov warns against politicization of IAEA’s role
Lavrov also warned against the politicization of the IAEA’s role, urging the agency to avoid using what he described as “fake stories” to promote the agendas of certain member states. He added that the secretariat must adhere to its mandate and not be manipulated to serve unilateral interests.
Days ago, a senior Iranian official accused the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, of leaking classified nuclear information to the Israeli regime, declaring that Tehran would no longer allow him to enter the country.
Ebrahim Amir Rasouli, political advisor to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, made the statement on Al Mayadeen, stating, “Grossi has betrayed the agency’s trust by sharing sensitive data, including the names of our nuclear scientists, with the Zionist entity.”
Amir Rasouli also issued a stern warning to Tehran’s adversaries, urging them to stop using “the language of threats.” He emphasized that Iran possesses “weapons that will surprise the aggressors” and that the country was fully prepared to respond immediately to any provocation.
“We are in our best condition,” he said. “And if the enemy makes a foolish move, we are ready to teach them a harsh lesson from the first moment.”
BRICS expansion strengthens, not weakens, bloc
On BRICS expansion, Lavrov dismissed concerns that adding new members could dilute the bloc's effectiveness.
"I do not see any threat of the blurring of our activities. BRICS has always relied in all its steps on the principles of equality, respect, consensus. And consensus that really reflects the balance of interests and is not dictated by an older brother," Lavrov said, emphasizing that the organization’s potential is only beginning to emerge.
The expansion of BRICS poses no threat to the work of the association because its potential is just beginning to unfold, Lavrov emphasized.
