Security of UN nuclear watchdog inspectors cannot be guaranteed, Iran says

France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Monday condemned threats made in Iran against the head of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi and called on Tehran to fully restore cooperation with the agency.

“We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” the E3 nations said in a joint statement.

Iranian security forces have arrested more than 300 people from Iran’s minority Kurdish population following the outbreak of war with Israel, according to a report by the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw.

The group said areas with significant Kurdish populations have seen intensified crackdowns, including mass detentions, political executions, and an expanded military presence.

Several people had been killed in incidents involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including under torture and by direct fire, Hengaw said.

Fouad Alikhani, a 41-year-old from Mahidasht, died under torture on June 22 while in IRGC custody in the western city of Kermanshah, according to Hengaw.

On June 25, Azad Ranaei from Doushan township was shot and killed at an IRGC checkpoint in Sanandaj.

The group also reported the death of a 9-month-old infant, Sarmad Sajjadi, in Marivan on June 20, citing shrapnel injuries from IRGC air defense activity.

Trump’s statements about the Supreme Leader and his threats have no outcome other than offending the feelings of millions of Iranians and Muslims, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said.

“We issued an official statement yesterday, and our foreign minister clearly expressed his views on this matter,” Baqaei added.

“It is completely clear that such vulgar, insulting, and provocative remarks are wholly rejected and condemned. These words have hurt the sentiments of millions of Iranians and Muslims inside and outside Iran and will only increase hatred and resentment toward US policies in the region and against Muslims.”

Iran maintains standard diplomatic relations with the three European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—and communicates with them at various levels, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference Monday.

"Iran’s president spoke with his French counterpart the previous night, indicating ongoing contacts and dialogues," he added.

Regarding further negotiations, Baqaei said talks took place last week but no definite date has been set for the next round.

Iran will announce details once a decision is finalized, he added.

Iran had come close to developing an atomic bomb and could try again if no agreement is reached to defuse the threat, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday.

“It had almost reached that point and will try again if an agreement is not reached to defuse this danger,” Tajani said in an interview with Morning News on Canale 5.

Italy is working to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington, he added.

“Italy is playing an important role, also in trying to help organize, possibly in Rome, the meeting between Iran and the United States,” he said.