Iran accuses IAEA Chief Grossi of political bias, lack of neutrality
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization scrutinized the political motives behind Grossi's statements, suggesting that they align with Western agendas to justify sanctions and pressure on Iran.
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The Iranian flag is pictured at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. (AFP)
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization has strongly criticized Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for his recent statements on Iran's nuclear program, accusing him of political bias and unprofessionalism. Iran urged Grossi to maintain impartiality and professionalism, stressing that his role requires neutrality and technical objectivity.
In a statement, the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization expressed concern that Grossi's comments showed clear political inclinations, warning that his departure from impartiality could tarnish the IAEA's credibility. The organization noted that the United States and Western countries could exploit Grossi's statements as pretexts to justify continued pressure and sanctions on Iran.
"In a situation where the United States and some Western countries are seeking to misuse the IAEA for their unfair pressure against Iran, these political and unprofessional statements could become a pretext for their illegitimate interests," the statement read.
The criticism came after Grossi's remarks during a press conference in Tokyo, where he claimed that Iran needed to prove it was not pursuing nuclear weapons, despite Iran's consistent and transparent assurances that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes. Iran has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and international regulations, highlighting its peaceful nuclear intentions.
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization pointed out that Grossi is fully aware of the unprecedented level of transparency and cooperation Iran has shown, noting that "about a quarter of all IAEA inspections are dedicated to Iran's nuclear facilities," despite these facilities representing less than 3% of the world's nuclear sites. Iran insisted that its nuclear program remains entirely peaceful and that it "has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons."
Read more: Iran 'pressing the gas pedal' on uranium enrichment: Grossi
Nuclear stalemate
These statements come amid heightened tensions and what Iran sees as a continued campaign of political pressure by the West. Grossi recently claimed that Iran's nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is "an empty shell" and suggested that it was no longer fit for purpose. However, Iran responded by asserting that it was the United States that unilaterally violated the JCPOA by withdrawing from the agreement in 2018, despite Iran's full compliance until that point.
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization further scrutinized the political motives behind Grossi's statements, suggesting that they align with Western agendas to justify sanctions and pressure on Iran. It noted that Iran has been fully cooperative with the IAEA and that no evidence has been found to support claims of nuclear weapon development. Iran emphasized that Grossi's statements are politically motivated and aimed at appeasing Western powers rather than reflecting an objective, technical evaluation of Iran's nuclear activities.
Iran's Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei recently criticized the notion of negotiating with the United States on nuclear issues, describing it as "not intelligent, wise, or honorable." This statement reflects Iran's growing frustration with the politicization of international organizations like the IAEA, which Iran believes are being used as tools for Western political agendas.
Iran called on Grossi to uphold the principles of impartiality and professionalism, stressing that political bias undermines the credibility of the IAEA. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful nuclear development and its right to pursue nuclear energy under international law, resisting unfair political pressure and interference by the West.