Russian envoy: Next round of IAEA-Iran consultations will be in Tehran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Nov 2022
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In light of geopolitical tensions which dominate the debate over the alleged finds of uranium traces, the upcoming consultations are likely to be highly politically charged.

A flag with the logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) waves in front of the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, March 1, 2021 (Reuters)

Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said today that the next round of meetings between the IAEA and Iran is expected to be taking place in Tehran before the end of November.

"Just before the end of the month, another round of consultations between IAEA experts and the Iranian side should take place. It was supposed to meet in Tehran. I hope these plans will remain in force," he said on the air of the Rossiya 24 broadcaster.

On November 3, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told EU Chief Josep Borrell that an agreement for good and robust cooperation between Iran and the Agency is in the works.

Prospects seemed positive until the IAEA passed a resolution yesterday criticizing Iran over the alleged find of uranium traces at three undeclared sites.

The resolution which states it is "essential and urgent" for Iran to "act to fulfill its legal obligations," and was brought by the US, the UK, France, and Germany, was voted by 26 countries in favor, two against, five abstained, and two countries were absent.

The two countries who voted against the resolution are China and Russia.

Despite that Iran abided by all the rules and conditions set by the UN watchdog, the West's pressure over the agency robbed it of the capacity to make any sound and fair rulings.

The IAEA's lack of impartiality has made it more difficult for Iran to reach its nuclear deal with the US. The agency has accused Iran several times of lying about its nuclear activities on the basis of not having provided sufficient information about three "undeclared nuclear sites."

Knowing "Israel" has played a part in foiling the JCPOA deal, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani IAEA called on the IAEA on September 12 to "not to yield to Israel's pressure" over Tehran's nuclear activities.