WANA (Oct 01) – Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on Wednesday that Tehran’s proposal to hold a meeting in New York with the three European countries (UK, France, Germany), the IAEA, and U.S. envoy Witkoff was rejected or met with non-participation from the invited parties.

 

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Mohajerani said, “We also received the Foreign Minister’s report on the trip to New York. It’s a serious narrative that needs to be addressed. Iran announced its readiness to meet with the three European countries, the Agency, and Witkoff, but this was not accepted by the other side or they did not attend.”

 

Iran Sought to Eliminate or Delay Snapback

Mohajerani explained that the main focus was negotiating over Iran’s 60% uranium enrichment levels in exchange for scrapping or delaying the “snapback” mechanism that could reimpose UN sanctions. Iran demanded a complete removal of the snapback clause, which was rejected by the other parties. At one point, Western negotiators proposed a six-month suspension, a position reportedly supported by Witkoff.

 

Pressure from Pro-Israel Lobbies Influenced Outcome

Iran, citing national interests, even proposed a 45-day delay in the snapback mechanism during the final stages of talks. However, Mohajerani said the proposal was blocked due to pressure from pro-Israel lobbies influencing U.S. and European decisions.

 

Mohajerani emphasised: “It’s a false claim that Iran avoided negotiations. The Iranian diplomatic apparatus made every effort to eliminate or at least delay the snapback mechanism. The pressure of Zionist lobbies on decision-making in the U.S. and Europe is clear. Despite the willingness of some European sides, they changed their stance, and eventually, we saw the return of sanctions.”

 

On Israeli Cyber Espionage Claims

In response to comments made by Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian regarding alleged Israeli espionage via internet platforms, Mohajerani said: “Naturally, we have security agencies responsible for such matters. I do not have the authority to confirm or deny this. The relevant security bodies must investigate and, if necessary, take appropriate measures.”

 

Snapback Decisions Lie with the Supreme National Security Council

She reiterated that decisions related to snapback activation and continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be made by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC): “Whatever is in line with the national interest and the welfare of the people will be adopted and shared with the public.”

 

120 Iranians Returned from the U.S.; Homeland Will Welcome Them

Responding to a question about the return of 120 Iranian nationals from the United States, Mohajerani said: “According to the Foreign Ministry, 120 of our compatriots were, so to speak, ‘turned back’ from the U.S. The arms of the homeland are always open to its children. As their home country, Iran will naturally welcome them.

 

Certainly, any necessary security reviews will be conducted by the relevant agencies. These individuals are to be transferred from the United States to Qatar, and from Qatar to Iran. I emphasize again, the homeland’s arms are always open to its children.”

 

In response to whether any well-known figures were among the 120 returnees, she said: “We will share the details with you later.”

 

Don’t Turn All Issues About Iranians Abroad Into Security Matters

Mohajerani stressed that not all matters concerning Iranians abroad should be viewed through a security lens: “The issue of the return of Iranians and providing opportunities even for those who don’t wish to return permanently to visit Iran safely has been discussed multiple times in this government — and in previous governments too.

 

No country wants its children to be unable to return to their home. That’s why a meeting was held in the First Vice President’s office specifically on this topic, and the High Council for Iranians Abroad has been reactivated. The necessary infrastructure will be developed, God willing.

 

In many cases, it’s not a security issue at all — someone may have a private legal complaint, for example, regarding inheritance. So, let’s not treat all issues related to Iranians abroad as security problems. These are our children living elsewhere. We are preparing a safe environment and infrastructure to enable their return or safe travel to Iran.”

 

Iran’s Interaction with the IAEA is Based on National Interest

Regarding the presence of IAEA inspectors in Iran, Mohajerani said: “All government efforts as the diplomatic apparatus have been aimed at preventing further economic pressure on Iran. Unfortunately, the snapback issue was taken out of its legal context and turned into a political tool and a means of pressure. All Iran’s actions with the IAEA are within the framework of national interests. The presence or absence of IAEA inspectors is also based on this principle.”

 

Enrichment Continuation to Be Decided by the National Security Council

On whether Iran will continue uranium enrichment, she responded: “This is an issue that must be decided by the Supreme National Security Council, as it goes beyond the government’s authority. The council will examine the matter, and any conclusions will be shared with the Iranian people.”

 

Iran Prepared for Sanctions Scenario Since U.S. Elections

Mohajerani added, “Regarding the snapback, I must again say that since last autumn, when the U.S. presidential election became a topic and there were predictions of increased Zionist lobbying, the government activated its scenarios. Pessimistic, optimistic, and moderate scenarios were all considered. What we saw during the 12-Day Sacred Defense was the result of these preparations. The approach continued after those 12 days.

 

With a review of the strengths and weaknesses of that period, the government finalised its plan. On Sunday, the program will be reviewed in the Cabinet meeting, and once approved, each ministry will proceed based on its designated instructions.”

 

She concluded: “We hope to witness minimal pressure on people’s livelihoods. Government relief policies — like distributing ration cards — will continue.”

 

More about 120 Iranians to be Returned from the U.S.

Previously, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that 120 citizens would return from the United States in the coming days. The announcement came alongside a report in The New York Times, which claimed that Washington, following an agreement with Tehran, deported about 100 Iranians on a chartered flight.

 

Hossein Nushabadi, Director General for Parliamentary and Consular Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, confirmed on Saturday that “U.S. immigration authorities had planned to deport around 400 Iranians who are currently in the United States—most of whom had entered illegally. In the first stage, 120 of them have been placed on the list and are expected to return to Iran within the next couple of days.”