Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has sent a clear message to the international community: the country is willing to address the concerns of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear program, but will not be pressured into it. These remarks followed a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Thursday.
On X, Araqchi emphasized, “As a committed member of the NPT, we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and good will. Iran has never left the negotiation table on its peaceful nuclear program.” He continued, “The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest & our inalienable rights, but NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.” Araqchi’s comments were in direct response to European powers who are pushing for a resolution to be passed against Iran at the upcoming IAEA board meeting next week. These European nations believe Iran is not adequately cooperating with the IAEA, leading them to seek more pressure on Tehran.
Diplomats, speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, confirmed that European powers are advocating for this resolution. Meanwhile, IAEA Director Grossi has been persistently urging Iran to make progress on key issues. These include increased monitoring at Iranian nuclear sites and a clear explanation for traces of uranium found at undeclared locations.
The talks between Araqchi and Grossi come at a time of considerable political tension, with Donald Trump set to return as US President in January. During his previous term, the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and several world powers, aimed at curbing Iran’s suspected nuclear missile program.
Despite the high stakes, both Araqchi and Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, described the talks with Grossi as “important and straightforward” and “constructive” respectively. The outcome of these discussions and the response to the proposed European resolution remain crucial in determining the trajectory of future relations between Iran and the international community regarding its nuclear program.
