Iran’s Foreign Minister said on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must clarify how it would go about inspecting nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States in June.
“If the agency wants to visit our sites, they’ve been bombed. Tell us—how do you expect to inspect a bombed nuclear facility? Is there a rule, a protocol, a guideline for that?” Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with state TV.
Araghchi criticized the UN nuclear watchdog for failing to condemn what he described as “illegal and savage” attacks on the country’s nuclear sites under its supervision. “This is the biggest violation of international law—truly unforgivable,” he said.
IAEA inspectors left the country following the 12-day conflict and whether Iran allows them to resume their work remains a focus of diplomacy between Iran and the West.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly maintained that US airstrikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program but Iran's insistence it will not to renounce enrichment leaves the long-running impasse unresolved.
Talks, not inspection
Araghchi confirmed in the interview that Iran officially invited the IAEA's Deputy Director General to Tehran for a detailed discussion, asserting Iran's view that the framework for working with the UN nuclear watchdog had changed.
"He’s not coming for inspections or evaluations—we have not allowed and will not allow that," Araghchi said without naming the deputy.
Asked how Iran can continue working with the IAEA in light of a recent law suspending cooperation, Araghchi said the legislation only proposes new mechanisms for collaboration.
“The parliament passed a crucial law, effectively tying Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA to decisions by the Supreme National Security Council. Henceforth, all cooperation with the IAEA must go through and be approved by the Council,” Araghchi said.
Israel launched a series of strikes on June 13 targeting military and nuclear sites, assassinating senior commanders and killing hundreds of civilians. Iranian missiles killed 27 Israeli civilians.
The United States attacked the Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites with long-range bombers and submarine-launched missiles on June 22.
France, Germany and the United Kingdom have called on Iran to resume full cooperation with the IAEA, and while Iranian officials have previously indicated some talks might be soon, no definite date has been announced.
Araghchi added that no talks with the United States are finalized but confirmed that some requests have been made.
“There have been discussions and messages from the other side. Whether talks happen in the near or distant future depends entirely on what serves our interests.
“We fight, negotiate, use diplomacy, and rely on our defensive power and our people wherever necessary to secure national interests,” he added.
He added that while messages had been exchanged with the US side, no negotiations had been firmly agreed, and any future talks would depend on what Iran’s interests require.
Donald Trump said in July Iran wants to talk but that the United States is in no rush.
