Why it matters:
The statement highlights increasing tensions between Iran and major Western powers regarding nuclear oversight and diplomacy. Iran's warning about taking "appropriate measures" if its cooperation with the IAEA is politicized suggests a possible disruption in ongoing monitoring and negotiation efforts. This could have direct implications for regional stability and efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
The big picture:
The IAEA’s June 2025 report follows years of fluctuating engagement after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and repeated failures by European powers to uphold their commitments.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and under full IAEA supervision, while criticizing what it calls the West’s “hypocrisy” and double standards, especially as Israel, a non-NPT member with nuclear weapons, remains shielded from scrutiny.
What it's saying:
The joint statement of Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization said:
The report “fails to reflect the true extent of Iran’s cooperation” despite acknowledging recent engagement.
The Director General of IAEA “repeats unfounded, politically motivated allegations based on forged documents provided by the Israeli regime.”
“The appointment and rejection of inspectors is Iran’s sovereign right under the Safeguards Agreement.”
“This report crosses legal boundaries, confuses voluntary JCPOA measures with binding obligations, and lacks neutrality.”
“Iran reserves the right to take proportionate action if its transparency is exploited for political maneuvering.”
Key points:
- Iran said the report exaggerates concerns and misrepresents voluntary steps as binding commitments.
- Tehran says the IAEA has used discredited Israeli intelligence and ignored threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites.
- Iran defends its revocation of certain inspectors, citing sovereign rights, while still allowing 125 active inspectors.
- Iran condemns the silence on Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal and threats, contrasting it with scrutiny of NPT-compliant Iran.
- Iran warns it will respond if states misuse the report or its cooperation with the IAEA to apply political pressure.
Go deeper:
Hossein Vaez
