Iran Willing to Negotiate with IAEA, But Not Under Pressure: Top Diplomat
Iran has signaled its willingness to engage with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over its nuclear program, but has stressed that negotiations will not be conducted under pressure or intimidation, Al Jazeera reports.
This statement was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following a meeting with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Tehran on Thursday.
Araghchi, who played a key role in the 2015 nuclear deal, emphasized that Iran has “never left the negotiation table” on its peaceful nuclear program. However, he added that his country would “negotiate based on our national interest & our inalienable rights, but NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.”
Grossi, in his meeting with Iranian officials, expressed the IAEA’s desire for “concrete, tangible and visible results” during discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. He highlighted the “serious circumstances in the region” and expressed his determination to make the talks “successful.”
The IAEA chief’s visit comes ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in January, who is expected to resume a “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. During Trump’s previous term, the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which saw Iran scale back its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
While the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, expressed his hope for “mutually constructive and effective talks,” he also issued a warning of “immediate countermeasures” against any IAEA resolution that interferes with Iran’s nuclear program.
Grossi’s trip comes amid ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities. The IAEA has been seeking increased monitoring access to Iranian nuclear sites and explanations for uranium traces found at undeclared locations.
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that its uranium enrichment activities are solely for civilian energy purposes and denies any ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. However, with Iran enriching uranium to 60% fissile purity – close to the level required for a nuclear weapon – concerns remain high.
