Iran urges IAEA head to focus on responsibilities, avoid speculation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Mar 2025 22:31

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson dismisses Grossi’s recent accusations, stating that they lacked factual evidence and were aligned with Western interests.

Listen

The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency flies in front of its headquarters during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (AP)

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry called on the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fulfill his professional responsibilities and refrain from making anti-Iranian remarks based on unrealistic assumptions that align with Western demands.

During a Monday press briefing, Esmail Baghaei dismissed recent accusations made by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi against Iran.

“We expect the IAEA director general to act in accordance with his duties,” Baghaei stated.

He reminded Grossi that issuing statements based on speculation and assumptions is not within the IAEA's purview and does not contribute to solving issues.

Baghaei emphasized that Grossi's comments regarding Iran are not based on factual evidence.

The spokesperson reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program complies with international frameworks, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Safeguards Agreements.

While the IAEA has the necessary means to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, Baghaei argued that the anti-Iran rhetoric serves the interests of certain Western nations, suggesting that such reports are politically motivated.

He also stated that Iran would respond appropriately after the next meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.

IAEA board of governors to review Grossi’s Iran report

In a related context, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors (BoG) began its regular meeting in Vienna, Austria, which will run until Friday. During the meeting, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is set to present his report on Iran’s nuclear program.

Representatives from 35 BoG member states will discuss a range of issues, including nuclear safety, the implementation of Safeguards Agreements, and research and scientific activities. A key agenda item is the review of Grossi’s report on the monitoring and verification of Iran’s nuclear activities within the framework of the Safeguards Agreements and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In the BoG’s previous session, a resolution proposed by Britain, Germany, France, and the United States regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program was approved. The resolution called on Tehran to take immediate and necessary steps to address unresolved issues related to the Safeguards Agreement, without mentioning Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA.

The resolution also urged Iran to provide the UN nuclear watchdog with data and documents for access to sites and materials identified by the IAEA’s inspectors. Iran described the resolution as "unconstructive and politicized," emphasizing that the IAEA has verified the country’s nuclear industry.

Despite this, IAEA inspectors have repeatedly visited Iranian nuclear facilities and found no evidence of diversion from Iran’s peaceful program. Tehran reiterated its cooperation with the IAEA under the Safeguards Agreement and believes that remaining issues can be resolved through a technical, non-political approach.

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.

Iranian 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.