Iran Tells IAEA Chief Not to ‘Interfere in Politics’
Iran accuses IAEA of failing to fulfill its responsibilities. Photo: Reuters
Tehran has delivered a sharp message to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, effectively telling him not to interfere in politics. Iran also urged the agency to carry out its responsibilities more responsibly.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran would continue its cooperation with the IAEA, as it has over the past several months. However, he accused the agency of failing to properly fulfill its duties, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Baghaei said Iran, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a party to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, would continue cooperating with the IAEA regarding nuclear facilities that have not been damaged.
He alleged, however, that the agency had failed to carry out its responsibilities in ensuring access to nuclear facilities that were damaged. Baghaei also claimed that the IAEA chief had failed to adequately condemn Israel’s military attacks on Iran in June.
“Our advice is that the director general should refrain from repeating political statements that appear to be part of an election campaign and instead carry out the responsibilities entrusted to him in a more responsible manner,” he said.
Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a framework for a long-term peace agreement.
Source: Middle East Monitor (adapted)
