WANA (Jul 29) – Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, stressed in a recent interview that Iran, despite mounting pressure, has adopted a balanced approach toward the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and retains the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment.

 

Speaking to the press center of the Russian Foreign Ministry, known as “Russia Today,” Ulyanov said: “The Iranians agreed to receive a delegation from the IAEA Secretariat headed by a Deputy Director General — not to conduct inspections of facilities, but specifically to decide on how future cooperation will be organized.”

 

He referred to his recent meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, noting that certain critical points were raised regarding the Agency’s handling of Iran and Ukraine, but added that, in line with diplomatic norms, details could not be disclosed without the consent of the other party.

 

Emphasizing that Iran has not closed the door on dialogue with the Agency, Ulyanov stated: “Tehran must take into account the risks revealed during the recent Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities. This approach is entirely natural.”

 

He added that discussions of inspections should not be on the table for now, citing the possibility of both radioactive and chemical contamination. According to him, the immediate priority is for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization to assess the consequences of the attacks, something that is not the IAEA’s responsibility at this stage.

 

Ulyanov further underlined: “Iran has declared it does not intend to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and will continue to implement its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. This means that the necessary forms of engagement, including inspections, will go on — but only after the situation has stabilized somewhat.”

 

Criticizing Western pressure, he added: “Questioning Iran’s right to enrich uranium is utterly absurd. It is no coincidence that the Israeli strikes occurred just one day after the adoption of an anti-Iran resolution pushed by three European countries.”

 

Meanwhile, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, announced that an IAEA technical team would visit Tehran within two to three weeks to discuss a “new modality of cooperation.” He noted: “This step reflects yet another goodwill gesture by Iran, regardless of our dissatisfaction with certain approaches of the IAEA. We hope this goodwill will be recognized and appreciated.”

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