Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to working with the IAEA, emphasizing cooperation within the framework of Safeguards obligations. The recent dialogue with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi covered various issues, including nuclear safety and sanctions. Gharibabadi highlighted the importance of removing external pressures for effective collaboration.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has expressed Tehran’s commitment to cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in accordance with its Safeguards obligations. On his social media platform, he noted a productive conversation with Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national security while collaborating with the IAEA.
During their discussions, Gharibabadi and Grossi addressed critical topics including Iran-IAEA cooperation, outstanding issues, the security protocols for nuclear facilities, recent developments in nuclear negotiations, and the impact of sanctions. Gharibabadi underscored that the enduring collaboration between Iran and the IAEA is key to resolving remaining disagreements.
The Iranian official stated that resolving the outstanding issues necessitates the removal of external political pressure on the IAEA, advocating for the agency’s unbiased, professional, and technical approach. Currently, tensions exist due to the IAEA’s claims regarding uranium traces identified at undisclosed nuclear sites in Iran, which Tehran firmly denies.
In May 2023, the IAEA confirmed it would close its investigation into traces of nuclear material found at suspected sites due to advancements in cooperation with Iran. Grossi described their meeting as timely, stressing that ongoing collaboration is crucial to ensuring peaceful assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions.
Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei characterized the discussions between Gharibabadi and Grossi as a continuation of cooperative efforts with the IAEA. Notably, Iran has indicated that the political positions of the agency’s officials may hinder constructive cooperation.
The Vienna meeting follows Gharibabadi’s participation in a significant tripartite discussion with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing, aimed at addressing the nuclear dilemma and advocating for the cessation of ‘illegal and unilateral’ sanctions against Iran.
In conclusion, Iran expresses its ongoing commitment to cooperation with the IAEA while emphasizing the need for an independent and impartial approach. The discussions between Iranian officials and IAEA leadership reflect a mutual interest in resolving outstanding issues and enhancing the safety of nuclear facilities. Nonetheless, the resolution of disputes is contingent upon alleviating external political pressures that may impede constructive dialogue.
Original Source: presstv.ir
