Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday called on the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to abandon what he described as “double standards” if it hopes to restore cooperation with Tehran on its nuclear program, according to news reports.
Last week, Pezeshkian signed into law a bill suspending Iran’s collaboration with the IAEA. The agency subsequently withdrew its final inspectors from Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions between the sides.
Strained relations between Iran and the IAEA have worsened in the wake of joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Both countries justified the attacks as preventive measures against Iran developing a nuclear weapon—an accusation Tehran strongly denies, insisting its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
In a phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s conditions for re-engagement with the IAEA.
“Continued cooperation with the agency depends on its willingness to correct its biased approach to Iran’s nuclear file,” he said, according to Iranian media.
Pezeshkian also issued a warning to Western nations, stating, “Any renewed aggression against Iran will be met with a firmer and more regrettable response.”
Tehran has accused the IAEA of enabling the strikes by passing a resolution that deemed Iran in violation of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, an action Iran views as a green light for hostile military intervention.
“The agency’s failure to uphold impartiality in its reports undermines its credibility and casts serious doubt on its neutrality,” Pezeshkian added.
The attacks triggered a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which Tehran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israeli territory.
Since then, IAEA inspectors have not been granted access to Iranian nuclear sites, despite repeated appeals by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who has said restoring oversight in Iran remains his top priority.
Reuters/s.s