Iran could resume cooperation with with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the UN watchdog ends its “double standards”, President Masoud Pezeshkian told the European Council president according to state media.
The comments follow the exit of IAEA inspectors from Iran following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and after Iran's parliament suspended cooperation with the body, but suggest openness to renewed ties.
“The continuation of cooperation is conditional on correcting the agency’s double behavior regarding Iran’s nuclear case,” Pezeshkian said. He also warned that “failure to respect impartiality in reporting undermines the IAEA’s credibility.”
Pezeshkian added that any future attacks on Iran would be met with “a stronger and more regrettable response.”
A fragile ceasefire continues between Iran and Israel after a 12-day war in which the Jewish state pounded the Islamic Republic. US officials say communications with Iran are ongoing and both sides have expressed openness to resuming talks.
Tehran has accused the IAEA of sharing sensitive information with Israel and the US, and of failing to condemn last month’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said this week that any lasting solution with Iran must be based on diplomacy and a strong verification mechanism.
“In each of the possible scenarios, a diplomatic agreement must be reached. The appropriate systemic verification should be part of such an agreement, and the necessary structure should be in place,” Grossi said.
Grossi added that he remains hopeful about resuming cooperation with Iran soon, saying that talks are ongoing through intermediaries.
