Tehran: The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has raised concerns over recent comments made by Rafael Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing them of being politically motivated. In a statement released on Thursday, the AEOI emphasized the expectation for the IAEA's director general to maintain impartiality and professionalism without political bias in his statements and actions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the AEOI expressed disappointment in what it perceives as a deviation from these standards by Grossi, suggesting that his remarks could undermine the credibility of the IAEA. The Iranian organization further accused Grossi of facilitating the United States and certain Western countries in leveraging the agency for their own political agendas.

Grossi, speaking in Tokyo on the same day, called on Iran to demonstrate that it is not pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. In response, the AEOI insisted that the burden of proof lies with those making such allegations against Iran. The country has consistently maintained that its nuclear endeavors are solely for civilian purposes.

The backdrop to these developments includes the 2015 nuclear deal, under which Iran agreed to grant the IAEA enhanced access to its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of U.S. and international sanctions. Grossi, however, described this agreement as 'no longer fit for purpose' during his Tokyo remarks.

The United States exited the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, undermining its execution by the remaining signatories, which include Iran, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia. President Trump has expressed an interest in negotiating a new deal but has simultaneously imposed a 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran. Iranian officials have stated they would not enter negotiations under threats and coercion.