WANA (Jun 10) – Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly rejected the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calling it a politically motivated document shaped by pressure from the U.S. and three European powers. He warned that any extralegal action against Iran’s national interests would be met with a “firm and proportionate” response.

 

Speaking in a radio interview, Baghaei expressed concern over what he described as the politicized atmosphere surrounding the latest IAEA Board of Governors meeting. “This report is not based on technical evidence, but rather dictated by the political will of the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany,” he said, adding that it merely reiterates outdated and previously resolved allegations.

 

Baghaei emphasized that the IAEA report does not cite any Iranian violation of its nuclear commitments or deviation from peaceful objectives. “Unfortunately, what has been placed on the agenda of the Board runs counter to the spirit of cooperation and international law. It’s a targeted effort to revive closed cases and add new accusations already resolved under the JCPOA framework,” he said.

 

Criticism of Draft Resolution

The spokesperson criticized a draft resolution being circulated by the three European countries and the U.S., which accuses Iran of non-compliance. “There is not even a single reference in the IAEA’s own report to such a claim. This resolution is unfounded and contradicts the facts presented,” Baghaei argued.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi meets with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran, Iran, April 16, 2025. Iranian Foreign Ministry/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

While acknowledging that Europe does not hold a monolithic view, Baghaei singled out the three well-known European nations for spearheading the hostile approach. He noted that other countries on the continent, including Italy, have demonstrated differing, more constructive positions in recent diplomatic engagements with Tehran.

 

No Tolerance for Politicized Pressure

Baghaei reiterated Iran’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, but said repetitive political maneuvering and baseless accusations do not contribute to progress.

 

When asked about the likelihood of the draft resolution being approved, he stated, “At least four similar resolutions have been passed against Iran in the past two years. Given the current coordination among the Western states, this resolution is also likely to pass—but Iran has always responded with calculated, reciprocal measures.”

 

He warned: “Any unwise or unlawful action by influential IAEA members or the Board of Governors will not go unanswered. The Islamic Republic of Iran will employ all its technical, legal, and diplomatic tools to defend the nation’s interests.”

 

Baghaei declined to provide specifics on how Iran would respond, stating that relevant decisions are made by the Atomic Energy Organization and other competent authorities and will be announced in due course.

 

Iran Stresses Right to Peaceful Nuclear Use

Commenting on broader international dynamics, Baghaei emphasized Iran’s continued coordination with Russia, China, and other like-minded nations.

 

“The right to peaceful nuclear energy is enshrined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) for all member states. Unfortunately, some powers apply selective and self-serving interpretations to undermine this right—not just for Iran, but for many independent and developing countries,” he said.

 

Iran’s Red Lines in Nuclear Talks

Baghaei underlined two non-negotiable conditions in any future nuclear negotiations: “First, the explicit recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear activities, including domestic enrichment; and second, the effective and practical lifting of all sanctions that directly impact the livelihood and well-being of the Iranian people.”

 

When asked about rumors that Iran had submitted a final response to the latest U.S. proposals, Baghaei denied it, stating, “Iran’s assessment process is still ongoing. An official announcement will be made at the appropriate time.”

 

In conclusion, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated Tehran’s rational and measured approach in all stages of nuclear negotiations. “Iran believes in dialogue, cooperation, and constructive solutions—but it will not hesitate to defend the rights of the Iranian people against any unfair or political action,” Baghaei said.

A group of Khuzestani students gathered in front of the Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant in Support of Uranium Enrichment. Social media/ WANA News Agency