Larijani: If the IAEA Has a Proposal for Cooperation, It Should Submit It Formally
WANA (Oct 20) – Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary emphasized that any proposal from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for cooperation with Tehran must be submitted officially for review by a special committee within the Council.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Qassem al-Araji, Iran’s Ali Larijani discussed the latest developments in Tehran–Baghdad relations, as well as Iran’s stance toward the IAEA and the snapback mechanism.
Responding to a question about the alleged use of Iraqi airspace by the United States and Israel during the recent 12-day conflict against Iran, Larijani said: “As Mr. al-Araji mentioned, Iraq does not wish for such incidents to occur. This is yet another example of the United States’ behavior toward independent nations—it disregards their sovereignty and exploits their political and security domains.”
On Iran’s future cooperation with the IAEA following the Cairo Agreement, Larijani noted: “Mr. Araghchi stated after the Cairo Agreement that if the snapback mechanism were activated, the deal would become null and void—and that’s exactly what happened. Now, if the IAEA seeks cooperation, it should formally submit its proposal so it can be examined by the relevant committee within the Supreme National Security Council.”
Press Conference Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji, with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on Monday, October 20, 2025. Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Security and Economy Must Go Hand in Hand in Iran–Iraq Relations
The top Iranian security official went on to highlight the focus of his talks with al-Araji: “We discussed a range of security and economic issues. For our economic ties with Iraq to remain stable, our security cooperation must also be well-structured.”
Larijani thanked the Iraqi government for its stance during recent regional developments, saying: “Iraq’s position during the 12-day conflict was commendable, though the U.S. and Israel misused Iraqi territory. Mr. al-Araji’s visit to Tehran is an important step toward deepening bilateral relations.”
Press Conference Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji, with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on Monday, October 20, 2025. Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Grossi’s Report Has No Effect — National Unity Is Iran’s Shield
Addressing recent remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Larijani said: “Mr. Grossi has already submitted his report; it no longer has any impact. What truly matters for the future is strengthening national unity and bolstering our defensive capabilities—two factors that can neutralize any threat.”
Strategic Relations with Russia and China Continue
Referring to his recent visit to Moscow and meetings with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Larijani stressed: “Iran maintains strategic relations with both Russia and China. These ties were first developed with China and have now expanded with Russia under President Pezeshkian’s administration. Our cooperation mainly focuses on economic issues and key regional developments.”
He added: “We appreciate Russia’s clear and legal stance on the snapback issue during its presidency of the UN Security Council. The European countries’ decision to hastily trigger the mechanism was a clear misuse of the situation.”
Press Conference Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji, with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on Monday, October 20, 2025. Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
End of Resolution 2231 Opens Path for Military and Economic Cooperation
In conclusion, the Iranian security chief said: “The implementation of UN Resolution 2231 has effectively ended after ten years, allowing countries to engage in military and economic cooperation with Iran. Although European states refuse to recognize this, Russia and China both agree with Iran’s interpretation of the deal, which we consider the accurate and lawful reading of the JCPOA.”
