Iran responds to unconstructive measures, but still prepared to continue cooperation with IAEA: FM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran does not hesitate to respond to unconstructive measures targeting the country’s nuclear energy program, but is still prepared to continue constructive cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

The top diplomat made the remarks on Monday during a telephone conversation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Director-General Rafael Grossi.

He strongly criticized some members of the IAEA’s Board of Governors for taking “unconstructive measures” that prevented Grossi’s November visit to the Islamic Republic from resulting in progress in the two sides’ attempts to resolve outstanding issues concerning the agency’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

IAEA chief tours two key Iranian nuclear facilities

The IAEA chief tours two Iran’s key nuclear sites of Fordow and Natanz.

The measures have featured, among other things, the United States and its European allies’ accusing Iran of insufficient cooperation with the IAEA, although Tehran's cooperation with the body has increased in frequency and quality over the past years.

On November 21, the IAEA’s Board of Governors passed a resolution, brought by Britain, France, and Germany, that repeated the claim and requested a "comprehensive" report on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activities "at the latest" by spring 2025.

In response, the country began activating its advanced domestically manufactured centrifuges.

Later that month, Araghchi said Iran was to activate several thousands of the devices in reprisal for ratification of the Western-backed resolution.

Iran to activate 1000s of advanced centrifuges in response to IAEA resolution: Araghchi

Iran says it is to activate thousands of its advanced centrifuges in response to the IAEA

Speaking to Grossi, the official cited the case of Iran’s reprisal, saying the country would not hesitate to retaliate against such measures, but added that it was still prepared and willing to continue constructive cooperation with the IAEA within relevant technical frameworks.

For his part, Grossi underlined the agency’s determination towards engaging in serious interaction with the Islamic Republic.

He also noted that he had engaged in and would continue to conduct consultations with other parties in line with his obligations and jurisdiction towards creating the proper atmosphere that could result in the resolution of outstanding issues.

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