Iran says IAEA resolution complicates nuclear talks with US

Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency condemned Thursday’s IAEA Board of Governors resolution as politically motivated and warned of immediate retaliatory measures.

“Today we witnessed that the Board of Governors of the IAEA was completely divided, and a politically motivated resolution submitted by the E3 and the US was adopted with the lowest possible vote,” Najafi said after the vote.

“This is the second time that the Board would not support a resolution completely. The resolution was unfortunately adopted, and we stated before its adoption that Iran will not stand still. We will react very strongly.”

“As my Minister stated yesterday, this is another major strategic mistake by the E3, which will be met with a strong reaction from Iran. We will announce some new measures to the IAEA, and the sponsors of the resolution should bear the consequences of what they tabled,” he added.

Tehran may revise its nuclear policies if Western pressure increases following the latest censure by the IAEA Board of Governors, Ali Khezrian, a member of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, said Thursday.

“In response to this political misuse of the Board, Iran’s reciprocal actions have already been set in motion,” Khezrian said.

He also confirmed the planned launch of a new uranium enrichment facility as part of Iran’s countermeasures.

“Western countries will receive a clear message: the more political pressure mounts, the more forcefully Iran will continue its reciprocal steps,” he added.

Sunday’s US-Iran talks represent the last opportunity for diplomacy under the shadow of war, the former head of Iran’s parliamentary national security and foreign policy committee said Thursday.

Writing on X, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, called the IAEA Board of Governors’ censure of Iran “the result of 20 years of betting on two losing horses,” though he did not clarify what those were.

Europe’s support for the resolution stemmed from anger over Ukraine, he added. “They took revenge,” he wrote, “while Ukraine holds no place in Iran’s national interests.”

The European Union's concerns about Iran extend beyond its nuclear program, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas Thursday, citing Tehran’s support for Russia and detention of European citizens.

“Our concerns with Iran are larger than nuclear,” Kallas said after meeting with European foreign ministers in Rome.

“Its support for Russia and the continued detention of EU citizens in Iran are also issues.”

The statement comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Western governments following a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors declaring Iran in non-compliance with its obligations.

President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday rejected the resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors against Iran and pledged continued nuclear activity, saying that “we will not retreat from the current path.”

Pezeshkian criticized the three European countries behind the resolution. “Today, the UK, France, and Germany passed a resolution against Iran. I do not understand how one could cooperate with them in a way that stops their mischief and allows our people to stand on their own feet and live independently,” he said.

Iran would pursue uranium enrichment regardless of foreign pressure, the president added.

“We will go our own way, continue enrichment, and will not back down,” he said.

“We will rebuild with our own youth even if they destroy our facilities with bombs. All this capability exists in our minds, and we will build again whatever they destroy.”