Why it matters:
Iran’s nuclear program remains a flashpoint in global diplomacy. Any perceived bias in IAEA reporting could not only derail fragile negotiations but also escalate tensions between Tehran and Western powers, particularly as indirect talks with the U.S. continue through regional intermediaries.
The big picture:
The IAEA, tasked with monitoring nuclear activity worldwide, has increasingly found itself caught between geopolitical rivalries. Tehran has long accused the agency of bowing to political pressure, particularly from the U.S. and its allies. The latest comments come amid stalled talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and growing regional volatility.
What he's saying:
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated during his weekly press briefing:
“Western countries have long used international organizations like the IAEA to advance their own goals.”
“This undermines the credibility of such institutions.”
“It is beneath the IAEA to issue biased reports under pressure from certain countries.”
“Iran is monitoring Western behavior and will determine its next nuclear steps accordingly.”
Ending Sanction Main Element of Any Agreement With U.S.
On a separate note, regarding a written message from the U.S. delivered via Oman’s foreign minister, Baghaei said:
“Receiving a text from the US does not mean it is acceptable. Every message must be carefully evaluated, and Iran will respond based on its rights, principles, and national interests.”
Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in reaction to the U.S. contradictory approach, said:
There is a clear contradiction in the US approach. On the one hand, they talk about diplomacy and agreements, but on the other hand, we are not witnessing any practical action regarding the lifting of sanctions against Iran.
The goal of sanctions is only to pressure the Iranian people, especially in the field of medicine and treatment, Baghaei said, adding that ending sanctions will be the main element of any agreement with the United States.
So far, we have not seen what we should have seen, except for the repetition of waves of sanctions on the eve of each new round of negotiations.
The Latest Situation in Gaza
No situation in the world today is as catastrophic as Gaza, he slammed UN action in cutting Palestine's Budget, saying that any budget cuts at the UN level should not overshadow the Palestinian issue.
Baghaei said: In principle, medical centers should be immune to attack in any war, but unfortunately, one of the goals of the Zionist regime in the last two years in Gaza has been to target these places to ensure that the genocide plan proceeds in the worst possible way.
Iran-Egypt, the Founders of West Asia Free of Nuclear Weapons
Regarding the Foreign Minister's visit to Egypt, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: Iran and Egypt are the founders of a West Asia free of nuclear weapons.
Mr. Araghchi's visit to Egypt is in line with the bilateral visits made at high levels over the last two years, Baghaei said, adding that the Neighborhood policy and strengthening relations with Islamic countries are among the main axes of this trip.
The process of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will also be discussed in the Foreign Minister's trip to Egypt.
Joint Regional Consortium won't replace Iran's Enrichment.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, about some media speculations about the proposal to Iran to launch a regional consortium for nuclear power generation, said: The idea of a consortium will not replace enrichment inside Iran.
Forming a consortium is not a new idea and has been discussed for several decades.
BRICS is an Influential International institution
He also said about the Parliament Speaker's trip to Latin America: BRICS has become an influential international institution.
The Parliament Speaker's trip to Brazil and two Latin American countries demonstrates the use of the capacity of the parliaments of the countries, and we believe that parliamentary diplomacy complements public diplomacy.
Key points:
- Iran warns the IAEA against becoming a political tool of the West.
- Tehran signals it is prepared to take calibrated steps in response to Western pressure.
- A written message from the U.S. has been received via Oman, but Iran says it requires a thorough review before a response can be given.
Go deeper:
Hossein Vaez
