Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has confirmed Iran’s commitment to working with the IAEA. Discussions included cooperation on nuclear issues, security, and sanctions. Gharibabadi expressed that resolution of differences requires the removal of political pressure on the IAEA. The relationship, while strained over accusations of undeclared nuclear activities, indicates a willingness to engage constructively.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to collaborate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a recent post on his X account, he expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, emphasizing Iran’s intention to cooperate while safeguarding its national interests.
Both officials deliberated on Iran-IAEA cooperation, the resolution of outstanding issues, the security of nuclear facilities, and implications of sanctions. Gharibabadi noted that the history of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA facilitates resolving the remaining differences, yet he asserted that addressing these issues requires the alleviation of external political pressures on the IAEA and the agency’s commitment to an unbiased and professional approach.
Currently, a dispute exists between Iran and the IAEA regarding alleged uranium traces at undeclared nuclear sites. Iran has firmly denied accusations of non-disclosed nuclear activities or materials and has indicated a willingness to cooperate with the IAEA to resolve any disputes. In May 2023, the IAEA decided to close the file on specific traces of nuclear material found at one of the alleged sites in Iran following advancements made in cooperation.
Grossi acknowledged the significance of the recent meeting with Gharibabadi, underscoring that sustained cooperation is crucial to ensure credible assurances regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also indicated that the meeting was part of the ongoing collaboration between Iran and the IAEA, despite Iran’s objections to the political stance of some agency officials.
The Vienna meeting follows Gharibabadi’s discussions in Beijing with his Russian and Chinese counterparts, where he described their dialogue as critical for addressing the nuclear issue and emphasized that ending illegal unilateral sanctions against Iran was a prominent topic of discussion.
The article highlights Iran’s ongoing commitment to cooperating with the IAEA based on established safeguards obligations, amidst existing disputes regarding nuclear activities. The discussions between Iranian officials and the IAEA chief reflect a desire for constructive engagement. However, the Iranian government emphasizes the need for reduced external political pressures to facilitate resolution. The positive trajectory in this relationship could potentially enhance credibility regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Original Source: presstv.ir
