Iran Pledges Retaliation Against IAEA Board’s Detrimental Resolution
The Iranian Foreign Minister has criticized the United States and the European troika for their provocative attempt to introduce an anti-Iran resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s Board of Governors. The minister cautioned that any ill-advised decision by the 35-member board could prompt a corresponding reaction from Tehran.
Abbas Araghchi expressed concern during a telephonic discussion with his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, on Tuesday. The conversation spanned various bilateral, regional, and international matters.
Highlighting ongoing discussions with the United States regarding its nuclear program, Iran’s foreign minister emphasized Tehran’s commitment to safeguarding the legitimate and inalienable rights of its citizens to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including enrichment rights.
Araghchi strongly criticized the controversial and inappropriate action taken by the United States, along with European nations France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, for drafting a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors. This development comes amid ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The Iranian foreign minister has issued a stern warning, stating that any misguided and harmful resolution by the Board of Governors targeting Iran will prompt a fitting reaction from Tehran. The minister further emphasized that the accountability for potential repercussions rests with those parties who manipulate and politicize the agency.
Araghchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic maintains a consistent stance, grounded in Islamic teachings, to never seek nuclear weapons. He asserted, “Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in upholding the Iranian nation’s right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
Araghchi commended Japan for its measured approach in foreign policy, expressing hope for a constructive stance and actions from Japan and other Board of Governors’ member states to enhance the prospects for dialogue and engagement.
Iwaya expressed his approval of the ongoing dialogue between Iran and the United States, emphasizing Iran’s legitimate right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, revealed on Tuesday that Tehran has devised a series of proportional responses in the event the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) proceeds with an anti-Iran resolution.
In a recent report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asserted that Iran has significantly augmented its reserves of uranium enriched to as much as 60 percent, nearing the approximately 90 percent threshold required for nuclear weapons development.
The agency reported that, as of May 17, Iran holds approximately 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, reflecting an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the last assessment in February.
Iran has criticized the report issued by the United Nations nuclear agency, labeling it as “political” and biased. The Iranian government claimed the findings were formulated under the influence of European nations.
Since April 12, Iran and the United States have conducted five rounds of indirect negotiations, facilitated by Oman, aiming to establish a new agreement to replace the 2015 nuclear deal that was disrupted following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018.
The negotiations have encountered a setback due to the United States’ insistence on Iran halting its uranium enrichment activities as part of any new agreement.
The forthcoming round of discussions is scheduled to take place in Muscat on June 15.
