Iran FM to Borrell: Tehran to respond to US, E3 moves at IAEA board
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Amir-Abdollahian warns of politically-motivated moves by the US and the E3 at the IAEA board of governors meeting.
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The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell
Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, spoke over the phone on Friday with the European Union's Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell, to discuss the latest developments in the Vienna Talks.
Amir-Abdollahian stressed that Iran is determined to reach a strong and lasting agreement, adding that the recent move by the US and E3 to draft an anti-Iran resolution for the coming IAEA board of governors meeting is contrary to diplomatic practice.
He also said that hasty and unconstructive moves such as these will make the negotiation process more difficult and complicated.
Iran's Foreign Minister also declared that any politically-motivated action by the US and the E3 during the IAEA meeting will be met with Iran's proportionate and immediate response.
Regarding the IAEA Director-General's meeting earlier today with the Prime Minister of "Israel", Naftali Bennett, the top diplomat said that Grossi's meeting with Bennett ahead of the IAEA's meeting violates the organization's principle of impartiality and the IAEA's technical status. Amir-Abdollahian criticized "Israel's" destructive actions in the region and noted the fact that the Israeli occupation possesses a massive illegal nuclear arsenal.
For his part, Borrell criticized some efforts being made to halt the talks, stressing the need to speed up their outcome and reach an agreement. He further highlighted the need to focus on a return by all parties to abide by their commitments, regardless of the current negative atmosphere vis-a-vis the IAEA.
"Israel" and the IAEA
"Israel" told the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday that a diplomatic resolution over Iran's nuclear program is welcomed but threatens at the same time it could take "independent action", referring to its long-standing disclosed threat to light a war.
The warning to visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi came as Western nations urged the IAEA Board of Governors to chastise Tehran for allegedly failing to answer questions about uranium traces.
Since Washington's withdrawal, Iran has been confirming its nuclear plans are benign and peaceful.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "stressed (to Grossi) the importance of the IAEA Board of Governors delivering a clear and unequivocal message to Iran in its upcoming decision," a statement from Bennett's office said.
