Iran, Russia FMs discuss IAEA issue and regional cooperation

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should focus only on its technical work and avoid any political approaches. He also said the agency must resist pressure from the United States and European countries.

Araghchi shared these views during a phone call with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday. This was their second phone call within a week and came just before an important IAEA Board of Governors meeting.

In that meeting, the US and the European troika — Britain, France, and Germany — are expected to present a resolution against Iran regarding its cooperation with the agency.

Araghchi said Iran has always taken a “constructive and responsible” approach in working with the IAEA. He added that Iran has introduced several initiatives and held diplomatic talks with regional countries to support peace and stability. He stressed that this effort should continue with help from all sides.

Tehran has warned that it will conduct a fundamental review of its engagement with the UN nuclear watchdog if the Board of Governors approves a new resolution against Iran.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said, “I hope they (E3) choose rationality and do not formally present the resolution, but if they do, Iran will certainly conduct a fundamental review of its policies,”

After attacks in June by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA under a law passed by its Parliament. Iranian officials accused the agency of giving cover for the attacks by stating that Iran had violated its obligations shortly before the strikes and then failing to condemn the aggression.

On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow supports continued close coordination with Tehran. He welcomed new steps toward regional cooperation and said Russia will keep working at the United Nations to protect the principles of the UN Charter.

Lavrov also discussed the issue of Palestine, saying Russia supports the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. He added that Moscow rejects any action that ignores Palestinian rights.

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