Iran Responds to IAEA Chief’s Warning Over Nuclear Inspections
Iran has responded to recent comments made by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who expressed concern over Tehran’s reduced cooperation with nuclear inspections.
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, said in remarks to reporters on Monday that he was unsure whether Grossi’s statements were out of genuine concern or intended as a threat. He emphasized that repeating a policy of pressure and threats against Iran would only lead to failure, as similar approaches have failed in the past.
Grossi had stated that “Iran is currently allowing our inspectors limited access. Due to security concerns, the country has imposed restrictions on the inspection process. The Iranians are in a state of uncertainty, which I understand; but if diplomacy fails, there is a concern that the use-of-force option could return.”
Grossi made these remarks in an interview with a Swiss newspaper amid deteriorating relations between Tehran and the IAEA. In recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has gradually reduced its level of cooperation with the international watchdog, a development many analysts see as contributing to rising tensions in the Middle East.
Tehran’s decision to impose greater restrictions on inspections of its nuclear facilities intensified after its atomic sites were subjected to military incursions by Israel and the United States during nuclear negotiations with European nations.
