Iran will talk about nuclear, but not under pressure
Iran is willing to resolve disputes with the United Nations nuclear agency over its compliance with safeguards on its atomic program but will not do so under pressure, Iran’s foreign minister says after meeting the IAEA head.
European powers were pushing for a new resolution against Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board next week to pressure Tehran over what they view as its poor co-operation, diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has for months sought progress with Iran on issues including a push for more monitoring co-operation at its nuclear sites and an explanation of uranium traces found at undeclared sites.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, writing on X after talks with Grossi in Tehran, said: “The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights, but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.”
He was referring to the three main European powers, France, Germany, and Britain.
The talks took place with Donald Trump due to take office again as US president in January.
During his previous tenure, the United States pulled out of the 2015 accord between Iran and several world powers aimed at curbing its suspected nuclear missile program.
Araqchi said the talks with Grossi were “important and straightforward”, while the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation Mohammad Eslami said they were “constructive”.
“As a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, we continue our full co-operation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue,” Araqchi said.
#Iran #talk #nuclear #pressure