Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reaffirms Iran’s commitment to IAEA cooperation, highlighting productive discussions with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing unresolved issues, and ensuring the security of nuclear facilities amidst claims of undeclared nuclear activities. Gharibabadi emphasizes the need for independent, technical approaches free from political pressure to resolve differences.
Tehran is reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. He expressed this sentiment following a productive discussion with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, emphasizing the importance of cooperation within the bounds of safeguard obligations while prioritizing Iran’s national security and interests.
During their meeting, Gharibabadi and Grossi addressed various matters including the status of Iran-IAEA relations, unresolved issues, nuclear facility security, and recent developments affecting Iran’s nuclear program alongside the need for lifting sanctions. Gharibabadi pointed out that Iran’s historical cooperation with the IAEA paves the way for resolving minor outstanding differences.
However, Gharibabadi stressed that resolving these differences necessitates the removal of external political pressure on the IAEA. He urged the agency to adopt a more independent, technical, and impartial stance. Currently, tensions exist due to IAEA claims regarding “uranium traces” detected at undeclared sites in Iran, which Tehran firmly denies, maintaining its readiness to collaborate with the IAEA to resolve any disputes.
In May 2023, the IAEA acknowledged closing the case concerning alleged nuclear material at an undisclosed site in Iran due to improved cooperation. Grossi remarked on the necessity of ongoing collaboration to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear endeavors, labeling the recent meeting as timely.
Additionally, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the engagement between Gharibabadi and Grossi as a continuation of Iran’s interaction with the agency. He reaffirmed that political pressures faced by the agency’s officials should not impede cooperation. This Vienna meeting followed previous discussions Gharibabadi held with Russian and Chinese officials in Beijing, where addressing illegal sanctions against Iran emerged as a critical point of dialogue.
Iran’s commitment to cooperating with the IAEA remains strong, focused on safeguarding national security while resolving outstanding issues. Dialogue with IAEA leadership is deemed essential for transparency and the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. The removal of political pressure on the agency is crucial for effective collaboration. Efforts to lift sanctions continue to play a significant role in these discussions.
Original Source: presstv.ir
