TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Wednesday that the country “cannot completely cut cooperation” with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, he emphasized that the return of IAEA inspectors would depend on decisions made by Iran’s security chiefs.
This statement comes nearly two months after Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June. Iran cited the IAEA’s failure to condemn Israeli and American strikes on its nuclear facilities as the reason behind its decision, which resulted in the departure of IAEA inspectors after new legislation passed in Iran’s parliament.
Araghchi explained that while full severance of ties with the IAEA is not an option, new fuel rods need to be installed at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant soon, requiring the presence of IAEA inspectors. However, he added that the return of inspectors is conditional on a decision by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top security body.
In mid-June, Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which also hit residential areas. The United States also targeted Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. The war disrupted ongoing talks between Iran and the United States on a new nuclear deal after the previous agreement was abandoned by President Donald Trump in 2018.
Iran has since indicated that its cooperation with the IAEA will take on a “new form.” Earlier this month, the IAEA’s deputy head visited Tehran for talks, and Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, mentioned that both sides had agreed to “continue consultations.”
In recent weeks, Britain, France, and Germany have warned that they may trigger the reinstatement of UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal if Iran does not agree to terms regarding uranium enrichment and further cooperation with the IAEA.
