Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has criticized the United States and three European countries-France, Britain, and Germany-for allegedly misusing the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) to further their own political goals. During his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baqaei addressed the West’s push for an anti-Iran resolution at the I.A.E.A.’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei claimed that the I.A.E.A.’s decision to prepare a report was influenced by political pressure from Western countries, which then used the report to their advantage. He emphasized that Iran’s interactions with the agency have always adhered to the commitments set by the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. The spokesperson noted that the U.S. and its European allies are seeking a draft resolution accusing Iran of ‘non-compliance’ with safeguards obligations, a charge not leveled in nearly 20 years.
Baqaei also discussed Iran’s stance on uranium enrichment, asserting that the country does not require external licenses for this activity and will not allow others to dictate its right to enrichment. He stated that enriching uranium is an essential part of the nuclear fuel cycle and is a right recognized under Article 4 of the NPT.
The spokesperson reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, despite allegations otherwise. He pointed out that a recent I.A.E.A. report did not suggest any non-compliance in Iran’s program. Baqaei accused European countries of pressuring Iran based on narratives from Israel, which he claims have been misleadingly propagated since 1984.
Addressing a U.S. proposal conveyed through Oman on May 31, Baqaei mentioned that it lacked the characteristics of serious negotiations. He stressed that Iran would only consider plans that respect its rights and interests, particularly concerning nuclear energy and the lifting of sanctions.
Baqaei criticized some European countries for deviating from the diplomatic path and failing to engage constructively with Iran. He warned that these actions would have consequences, with Iran prepared to respond proportionately. Commenting on the potential activation of the ‘snapback’ mechanism, he argued that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and should not be a subject for the U.N. Security Council.
The spokesperson also condemned former President Donald Trump’s executive order banning citizens from certain countries, including Iran, from entering the U.S., labeling it discriminatory and a violation of human rights. He concluded by deploring the ongoing violence against Palestinians in Gaza and criticized international institutions for their inaction, urging a prompt response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.