Iran FM rebukes EU sanctions, warns against escalatory IAEA measures
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Araghchi speaks with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, regarding the nuclear negotiations and regional developments.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a joint press briefing with his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, November 19, 2024. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the newly imposed European sanctions targeting Iran's airlines and shipping sector, warning that any anti-Iran action at the upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting will further complicate issues surrounding Tehran's peaceful nuclear program.
Araghchi made these remarks during a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Wednesday, where the two officials discussed nuclear negotiations and recent regional developments.
The Iranian top diplomat denounced the European sanctions over claims that Tehran had supplied military equipment to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict as “unjustified and provocative".
He also censured the decision by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to table an anti-Iran resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting.
“This measure by the three European countries is in blatant contravention of the positive atmosphere created in the interaction between Iran and the Agency,” Araghchi underscored.
“It will only make matters more complicated.”
Iranian retaliation
Last week, Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), cautioned that any anti-Iran resolution from the IAEA would trigger an "immediate response."
Speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran with Grossi on Friday, Eslami stated, "Any resolution against Iran's nuclear program will be met with Iran's immediate response."
He reiterated that Iran remains committed to its nuclear activities in line with national interests and will take reciprocal measures if faced with confrontational actions.
"If the opposite side takes the path of confrontation, resolution, and disruption against Iran, it will receive a reciprocal response," Eslami warned.
However, he also signaled Iran’s willingness to engage constructively, noting, "If they take the path of interaction, Iran is willing to interact, but if they choose another path, Iran will make necessary decisions."
Iran to respond with nuclear measures to IAEA condemnation: Exclusive
Iranian sources told Al Mayadeen on Tuesday that Iran is prepared to respond immediately with measures in its nuclear program should the IAEA Board of Governors release a statement condemning the country.
The sources indicated that Iran's planned response includes injecting gas into centrifuges and activating advanced centrifuges previously installed in its nuclear facilities.
Despite its readiness to escalate nuclear activities, Iran emphasized its commitment to diplomacy, with sources stating the country would not abandon dialogue.
Read more: Iran warns of countermeasures against potential IAEA board actions
