Iranian Deputy FM Dismisses IAEA's Claims over Inspecting Bombed Nuclear Sites
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Qaribabadi dismissed a claim leveled by the United Nations nuclear watchdog over imminent visit to Tehran's nuclear facilities damaged by US and Israeli military onslaught during the 12-day war in June last year.
Writing on X on Wednesday, Qaribabadi said UN inspectors’ access to attacked nuclear sites and materials will “solely be examined and resolved within the framework of a final accord” with the United States.He added that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections are dependent on “the other party’s practical action in terminating all sanctions”.
Earlier in the day, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi claimed that inspectors from the UN’s nuclear watchdog will visit nuclear sites in Iran.“Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen,” he told journalists in Japan.Iranian officials say the nuclear issue alongside sanctions removal, are the two topics set to be discussed within the 60-day framework based on the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently by Presidents Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump. They emphasize that negotiations on these two subjects are contingent upon the implementation of specific provisions within the MoU.The United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Prior to the 12-day war, Iran had warned the IAEA about any politically-motivated move against the country, cautioning it could derail Tehran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Iranian officials say Grossi's reports against Tehran's nuclear program paved the way for the Israeli onslaught on the Islamic Republic. Late in June, Iran’s Constitutional Council approved a parliamentary bill on suspending collaboration with the IAEA.
Qaribabadi also stressed that during the Switzerland negotiations, no Iranian officials met with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi “despite his request”.
14:54 - 3 تیر 1405