On March 3, 2025, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman criticized the IAEA for alleging that Iran had significantly increased its highly enriched uranium production. He labeled these claims as “untrue” and expressed concerns over the political influences shaping IAEA reports. Despite the allegations, Iran maintains compliance with international nuclear agreements. The future of Iran’s nuclear negotiations appears bleak following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018.
On March 3, 2025, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei addressed reporters in Tehran, vocally rejecting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s assertions regarding the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Baghaei characterized the IAEA’s claims as “untrue” and accused Director General Rafael Grossi of overstepping his professional duties by making political assumptions about Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear activities.
Baghaei’s comments followed the IAEA’s recent reports, which indicated a significant increase in Iran’s enriched uranium production since December. The IAEA claimed that this rise had led to an accumulation of near-weapons-grade material, a statement Grossi echoed. Iran’s spokesman emphasized that these allegations did not align with the realities of their nuclear operations.
Further, Baghaei critiqued the influence of certain Western nations on the IAEA’s findings, suggesting that political motivations rather than technical matters were at play. He reiterated that Iran’s adherence to international laws and agreements, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the safeguards accord with the IAEA, have consistently proven the legitimacy of its nuclear program.
In the IAEA’s reports, it was disclosed that Iran’s uranium stockpile, enriched up to 60 percent purity, had reached 274.8 kg. According to the IAEA’s standards, this quantity could potentially yield approximately six nuclear weapons if further enriched. Iran’s nuclear program is subject to restrictions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which aimed to curtail its nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief following its inception in July 2015.
The situation escalated when the United States withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018, reinstating sanctions that prompted Iran to reduce its nuclear commitments. Diplomatic efforts to rejuvenate the JCPOA began in April 2021 in Vienna, yet progress has stalled since negotiations last occurred in August 2022.
In summary, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the IAEA’s claims about its nuclear program as unfounded and politically motivated. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s nuclear activities comply with international regulations. As tensions mount regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment, the future of the JCPOA remains uncertain amidst stalled diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: english.news.cn
