Wednesday, 26 August 2020_Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency agree to broaden cooperation. This came after a visit to Tehran by the IAEA’s director-general.
During his visit, Rafael Grossi held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister in which Mohammad Javad Zarif called for continuation of cooperation based on the IAEA’s technical guidelines and protocols. He also urged the agency to distance itself from political pressure and uphold independence and impartiality.
The IAEA’s chief highlighted the same policy during a joint press conference with Iran’s nuclear chief. Earlier, the IAEA chief held talk with Iran’s nuclear chief. Ali Akbar Salehi said a new chapter of cooperation will start between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also noted that his negotiations with the IAEA delegation were constructive, although more needed to be done with regard to mutual trust.
The visit of IAEA chief to Iran comes as the US is pushing to snapback UN sanctions on Iran for allegedly violating the nuclear deal with world powers, which the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from two years ago. Tehran dismisses US efforts as illegal and says it won't accept any additional demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
As a charter member, Iran cites the NPT to continue its nuclear work, including uranium enrichment for generating electricity. It also adheres to the safeguards agreement that allows U.N. inspectors from the IAEA to verify compliance with the NPT.