Why it matters:
Iran is signaling a shift in its nuclear diplomacy posture following the recent Israel-U.S. war against the country. Pezeshkian’s remarks underline Tehran’s distrust to the international institutions that are politically selective—particularly the I.A.E.A.—and reflect a harder tone in post-war diplomacy.
The big picture:
Pezeshkian said Iran’s past cooperation with the I.A.E.A. was “principled and transparent,” but said the agency has turned a blind eye to Israeli and American attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
A new Iranian parliamentary law suspending cooperation with the agency, he noted, came in response to the I.A.E.A.’s silence and failure to act impartially.
The phone call with Costa comes amid efforts to prevent further escalation and resume EU–Iran engagement after the 12-day war.
What he’s saying:
Masoud Pezeshkian:
“The agency’s silence on attacks against our nuclear sites and its politicized behavior have undermined its legitimacy. If international institutions can’t uphold basic fairness, then continued membership is meaningless.”
“While we were pursuing diplomacy, Iran came under attack. Our response forced the aggressors to request a ceasefire.”
“We remain committed to constructive engagement, regional peace, and global stability. But if Iran is attacked again, our response will be more decisive.”
Go deeper:
The 12-day war by the Israeli regime with direct U.S. involvement came at a time when Iran was engaged in talks with the U.S.. In its aftermath, Tehran is recalibrating its diplomacy, setting conditions for cooperation. Pezeshkian’s message to Europe was clear: Iran seeks engagement, but not at the price of silence in the face of aggression.
Mojtaba Darabi
