Why it matters:
Araghchi’s positions indicate Iran’s determination to preserve its nuclear rights and not to give in to the West-led pressures to eliminate Iraian nucler industry.
The big picture:
The top Iranian diplomat, Abbas Araghchi made the comments in an address to a meeting with ambassadors, chargés-de-affaires, and heads of foreign missions in Tehran at the foreign ministry's compound on Saturday.
What he’s saying:
Abbas Araghchi: "Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will henceforth operate under the supervision of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)."
"The Agency's request to continue cooperation with Iran will be reviewed on a case-for-case basis by the SNSC, and decisions will be made taking into account safety and security."
"The fact of the matter is that our nuclear facilities were attacked and that proximity to these facilities currently poses risks, including the spread of radioactive materials or explosions, and we think, the issue of security and safety is a matter of concern for inspectors when they approach these facilities."
"There is no other way but to return to diplomacy and a negotiated and agreed solution, and the recent war proved this even more than before."
"But before that, the other side must reassure us that they want diplomacy, not that diplomacy is a cover to achieve their objectives."
"Iran’s military and defense capabilities will not be subject to any negotiations."
Go deeper:
US must rebuild trust for diplomacy to resume, says Iran’s FM
Hossein Amiri
