TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is no longer relevant, following the re-imposition of international sanctions triggered by European powers.
Araghchi said the September “Cairo agreement,” which created a framework for renewed inspections by the IAEA, has lost significance. He argued that Britain, France, and Germany undermined the deal by enforcing UN sanctions over Iran’s alleged non-compliance.
Read more : Iran Claims Secret Access to Israel’s Nuclear Program
He stressed that the three European nations have “diminished their role” in future talks, adding they will have a much smaller place in diplomacy compared to their past involvement in Iran’s nuclear dossier.
Iran also criticized the IAEA for failing to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities in June. Officials said such silence further erodes trust and damages prospects for cooperation under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Despite growing frustration, Iranian leaders remain divided on the path forward. Some lawmakers have suggested leaving the NPT, while President Masoud Pezeshkian maintains that Iran should stay committed to treaty obligations, but only under fair conditions.
Read more : Khamenei Says Iran Won’t Halt Uranium Enrichment
Araghchi hinted that Tehran will soon announce its final decision on cooperation with the IAEA. However, he left room for diplomacy, insisting that any new negotiations must recognize Iran’s rights and include security guarantees after the recent escalation.