IAEA Chief Criticized for Silence on US, Israeli Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

In comments at a presser in Tehran on Sunday, Esmaeil Baqaei reacted to recent remarks and demands by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

The UN nuclear watchdog keeps repeating a number of statements, but this repetition would not change existing facts, the Iranian spokesman said.

Baqaei noted that Iran, as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, is fully aware of its own obligations, adding that there is a clear expectation for the IAEA chief to address the parties responsible for creating the current situation.

The spokesman said Grossi has even refrained from making a passing reference to the fact that Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked by the United States and the Zionist regime in June.

He added that the IAEA director general should, within the scope of his mandate, allow a technical and professional approach to govern his assessment of the situation.

Commenting on relations and talks between Iran and the IAEA, Baqaei said it cannot be claimed that mediation channels do not exist.

Iran maintains contact with the IAEA whenever necessary, he added, noting that Iranian representatives in Vienna hold talks whenever required. Baqaei stressed that communication between Iran and the IAEA is ongoing and that Iran remains a member of the agency.

The spokesman added that discussions are continuing on shaping a new framework for cooperation, saying Iran’s current basis for relations with the IAEA is the legislation adopted by the Iranian Parliament./tasnim