TEHRAN: Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has criticized comments made by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s director general regarding Iran’s nuclear program, labeling them as political and unprofessional. The remarks by Rafael Grossi, delivered at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, suggested a potential nuclear proliferation risk posed by Iran, despite the country’s assertions of peaceful nuclear intentions.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Grossi, during his address, referenced tensions between Iran and Israel, highlighting what he described as ‘a nuclear weapons dimension.’ He noted that the ‘assumed presence of nuclear weapons looms in the background’ concerning Israel and raised concerns about the ‘very real potential of nuclear proliferation’ with regard to Iran.
Responding to Grossi’s statements, Gharibabadi expressed on his social media account that it is significant that the IAEA chief has acknowledged, for the first time, the existenc
e of nuclear weapons in Israel. He emphasized that this acknowledgment places a responsibility on Grossi and the agency to condemn Israel’s possession of such weapons and to advocate for their destruction, alongside urging Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Gharibabadi further criticized Grossi’s comments on Iran’s potential nuclear proliferation as unprofessional and politically motivated. He asserted that Grossi should not make speculative statements akin to those of politically motivated officials from various countries.
The deputy minister reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its nuclear safeguards obligations and stated that Iran would not agree to additional inspections beyond its pre-existing commitments as long as sanctions remain. He urged the IAEA director general to base any reports on evidence observed during verification processes rather than on speculation.
