TEHRAN (Iran News) Araghchi made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, conducted in Tehran on Saturday.

He said Iran’s nuclear sites were “bombarded, destroyed and heavily damaged” during airstrikes by the US and Israel, calling the attacks a clear and major violation of international law — “perhaps the biggest violation of international law” — because the facilities were safeguarded and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The foreign minister, however, stressed that Iran, as a member of the International Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is determined to continue its peaceful nuclear energy program, arguing that the facilities — not Iran’s nuclear technology — were destroyed in the attacks.

“We are a committed member of NPT and we have every right to enjoy the peaceful use of nuclear technology like Japan. Japan is also a committed member of NPT and it is enjoying its right to peaceful use of nuclear technology,” said Araghchi.

The diplomat also raised concerns about the safety of the bombed Iranian nuclear sites, noting that Iran wants Japan to share its experience with past atomic disasters and help secure the facilities.

“There is the risk of, you know, radiation and unexploded munitions in the facilities. As you know, the threats are still going on… I have no doubt that you have good knowledge on how to improve the safety of nuclear facilities,” he said.

On the resumption of nuclear negotiations with the US, the foreign minister said that it depends on the approach Washington takes.

“It depends on the US. If they change their approach and are prepared for a fair and balanced outcome of a mutually beneficial negotiation, we are prepared too. It’s a fact that we don’t have any good experience negotiating with the US,” Araghchi said, citing Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had been negotiated between Iran and world powers.

Iran was in the middle of talks with the US to reach a nuclear agreement when Israel launched its war in June this year. Iran says the United States is responsible for the conflict and betrayed diplomacy by allowing it to happen. Iran also rejects the US condition of zero uranium enrichment and says Washington must recognize Tehran’s right to peacefully use nuclear technology.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei has described a recent report by Austria’s intelligence body about Iran’s peaceful nuclear program as “false,” saying that the report discredits the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Austrian agency claimed in a report earlier this week that “the Iranian nuclear weapons development program is well advanced,” an allegation that Baqaei dismissed as false and unfounded.

This allegation has been leveled only with the aim of creating media maneuvering against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and therefore lacks any credit, the spokesperson said on Friday, according to a news release on his official Telegram page.

The diplomat condemned the disinformation spread by Austria’s intelligence body, and urged the Vienna government to issue an official explanation on “this irresponsible, provocative and detrimental behavior” by an official agency in that country.

Baqaei further said that the Austrian report also undermines the credibility of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the I.A.E.A., as Iran is a party to the Non-Proliferation (NPT), whose nuclear program are subject to the strictest inspections by the I.A.E.A.

He also highlighted Iran’s strict opposition to nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and reaffirmed its support for turning West Asia into a region free from the WMDs.

Despite Iran’s stance and efforts, Austria and some other European countries remain silent on arming Israel with different types of WMDs, preventing the realization of a WMDs-free region through their support for the regime.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Baghaei made the comments on Saturday, a day after IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that Iran is dramatically accelerating its enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity.

The spokesman said that Grossi’s remarks are a reference to the “confrontational and unconstructive” action by the US, the UK, France and Germany at the IAEA’s Board of Governors where they pushed for the approval of an anti-Iran resolution without any legal basis or logical justification.

Baghaei also referred to Grossi’s visit to Tehran three weeks ago, during which Tehran and the IAEA agreed to strengthen technical cooperation.

The spokesman said that Grossi brought initiatives, but it was the US and those three European countries that caused the IAEA chief’s efforts to be fruitless through pursuing a policy of pressure and exploiting the Board of Governors.

Based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, Iran is pursuing its peaceful nuclear program in a transparent way and under the IAEA supervision, Baghaei said, adding that the country has informed the agency of its recent activities that remain under its continuous supervision.

The spokesman said that Grossi’s remarks are a reference to the “confrontational and unconstructive” action by the US, the UK, France and Germany at the IAEA’s Board of Governors where they pushed for the approval of an anti-Iran resolution without any legal basis or logical justification.

Baghaei also referred to Grossi’s visit to Tehran three weeks ago, during which Tehran and the IAEA agreed to strengthen technical cooperation.

The spokesman said that Grossi brought initiatives, but it was the US and those three European countries that caused the IAEA chief’s efforts to be fruitless through pursuing a policy of pressure and exploiting the Board of Governors.

Based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, Iran is pursuing its peaceful nuclear program in a transparent way and under the IAEA supervision, Baghaei said, adding that the country has informed the agency of its recent activities that remain under its continuous supervision.

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“We are definitely thinking about an agreement and we are interested in its conclusion in the near future. Nevertheless, we will definitely not act emotionally and that the finalization of the accord hinges upon a political decision by the United States,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said at a press briefing in the capital Tehran on Monday.

“Iran has not left the negotiating table,” he stressed, adding, “The process of negotiations in [Vienna] lasted for several months, and entered a new phase in [the Qatari capital city of] Doha following a respite. In spite of comments that US authorities occasionally make regarding the negotiation process and the psychological pressures as well as its unilateral demands from Iran to quickly make a decision and warnings that time is running out, Iran will neither act emotionally nor hastily in this regard and will not sacrifice the interests of the country and the nation.”

Kan’ani went on to elaborate on the ongoing measures taken to revive the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and pointed to efforts made by the foreign ministers of regional countries, including Oman, Qatar, and Iraq, as well as European states like Italy and France to bridge the differing viewpoints.

The senior Iranian diplomat reiterated that the Islamic Republic is serious about reaching a good, durable and strong agreement.

“We have demonstrated a great deal of flexibility. The Islamic Republic of Iran has so far presented various constructive initiatives; and we believe that we would be close to an agreement if the US, as the main [opposite] side in determining the process of negotiations, acts constructively and with good faith like Iran,” Kan’ani remarked.

“Getting either close to or far away from the agreement depends on the political decision of the US government,” the spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

Kan’ani also reacted to the recent remarks by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi about Iran’s civilian nuclear activities.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and for many years, especially during recent years, has allowed the watchdog’s inspectors all out of an interactive and constructive stance to visit facilities in question several times,” he said.

“Most of the missions of the IAEA’s inspectors are related to Iran’s nuclear sites. This interactive and voluntary approach was meant to resolve the sticking point that previously existed and we thought could impede the achievement of an agreement. Unfortunately, Iran’s constructive actions have not been met with a constructive and mutual response on the part of the IAEA and its director general,” Kan’ani said.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Grossi has time and again taken an unprofessional and unfair approach vis-à-vis Iran’s nuclear program, especially in recent months. His views are not helpful and constructive. He is interested in raising an issue about Iran’s nuclear issues now and then. We believe that the IAEA director general should adopt a constructive and interactive approach in response to Iran’s constructive cooperation with the agency. We do not view Grossi’s remarks as technical and professional and we advise him to observe the principle of neutrality and fairness and to avoid politically-motivated statements,” he stated.

Grossi told Spain’s El Pais newspaper in an interview published on Friday that Iran’s nuclear program is “galloping ahead” and the IAEA has very limited visibility on what is happening.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kan’ani noted that there has been no change in the Islamic Republic’s practical and political stance on the Ukraine conflict.

He categorically dismissed recent Western media allegations in the wake of the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Tehran, saying, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to military options against regional countries.”

“Iran believes that disputes and differences should be resolved through a political solution and that there is no change in Tehran’s political position toward Ukraine.

“We instead believe in the political solution, and we are not standing by one side to oppose the other,” Kan’ani underscored.

FM: Iran supports any diplomatic effort to settle Ukraine conflict, ready to mediate

Ukraine has been at war with Russia since President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation in the neighboring country in late February, following Kiev’s failure to implement the terms of the Minsk agreements and Moscow’s recognition of the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson also pointed to the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying, “Five rounds of negotiations were held between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which were hosted by the Iraqi government in Baghdad that had very good and encouraging results.”

“After the Jeddah summit, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in a phone call briefed Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian on the summit. During the phone call, Mr. Hussein said Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the meetings in Jeddah expressed readiness that official and public talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be held in the next round. This is a positive sign. We believe that due to the positive will of the parties, it is possible to hold the next meeting at the official and political level in Baghdad and take a step in the direction of improving and resuming the relations between the two countries,” Kan’ani added.

The FM spokesperson also spoke about recent developments in Sri Lanka, saying, “We have good and friendly relations with Sri Lanka and we follow the developments with concern and sensitivity. Fortunately, we now witness the return of stability in this country. We welcome the positive trend of the developments and congratulate the new Sri Lankan president elected by the parliament.”

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In a tweet on Tuesday, the top diplomat condemned the fact that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed concern about Iran’s nuclear program on the same day he announced the UK will increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads by 40 percent.

“Unlike the UK and allies, Iran believes nukes and all WMDs [Weapons of Mass Destructions] are barbaric and must be eradicated,” Zarif wrote, alluding to Iran’s insistence that its nuclear program is peaceful and not aimed at making weapons.

During an appearance at the UK House of Commons on Tuesday, Johnson said “we remain extremely concerned by Iran’s influence in the region, the disruptive behavior of Iran and particularly, of course, we are concerned about the risk of Iran developing a viable nuclear weapon.”

The prime minister also confirmed that the UK’s cap on the number of warheads will now increase to 260, having been previously dropped to 180.

As confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, while its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a ruling (fatwa) banning nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

But Western powers have long regarded Iran’s nuclear program with suspicion, which ultimately resulted in a 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers, including the US. The landmark deal was aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

But former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal and imposed harsh sanctions on Iran.

Trump’s successor, Joe Biden has backed the deal, which was signed when Biden was the US vice president. But since he was sworn in January, Tehran and Washington have been engaged in rhetoric with Iran demanding the removal of sanctions before talks to revive the deal.

In recent months, Iran has stepped up its nuclear activity with Khamenei, the country’s Supreme leader, warning Tehran could boost its enrichment of uranium from the current 20 percent to 60 percent “if the country needs it”.

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“The Islamic Republic of Iran continues its cooperation with the Agency, but there is a valid question to be raised: ‘whether the JCPOA and the verification activities in accordance with this deal can resist the pressures exerted by the US creating an extremely difficult situation for its viability?’ the answer to this question could be both yes and no. Everything depends on the international community and remaining participants of the JCPOA,” Baharvand said in a speech before the IAEA Board of Governors on Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in Light of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Following is the full text of his address.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Madam Chairperson, Director General,

Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Report of the Director General on this agenda item demonstrates once again that the level of cooperation between Iran and the Agency stands at the same level as it has been in the past. Even in the difficult situation caused by the pandemic Covid-19, verification activities of the Agency have been conducted without any impediment and remains uninterrupted. The DG’s Report is again an evidence that the Agency continues to carry out its mandates in relations with the verification activities under the JCPOA.

The Islamic Republic of Iran continues its cooperation with the Agency, but there is a valid question to be raised: “whether the JCPOA and the verification activities in accordance with this deal can resist the pressures exerted by the US creating an extremely difficult situation for its viability?” the answer to this question could be both yes and no. Everything depends on the international community and remaining participants of the JCPOA.

The US is sparing no effort to frustrate this important deal. What might be the benefit of US in destroying such a multilateral agreement, or what the US would be able to propose in its absence, is up to them to explain. My take on that would be the US approach toward Iran is an ideological antagonistic one, no other justification can serve the amount of animosity of the United States toward my country. JCPOA and nuclear deal is just a small episode of the show.

However, we can rest assured that the US can introduce any alternative neither for the JCPOA nor for any other multilateral agreement it has withdrawn from it. The reason for such argument is obvious. The US diplomacy is based on unilateralism and bullying but not multilateralism and cooperation. The US has already lost its spirit and ability to deliver fair solutions for international conflicts. When the US has only learnt to dictate its will over the others due to misperception of its hard power, how can it be able to respect concerns of others, or negotiate on an equal footing in order to bring about freely acceptable conclusions for all parties concerned? Don’t forget that once upon a time the United Nations and multilateralism was mainly the result of The US diplomacy. That spirit has vanished long time ago.

The so-called Maximum Pressure approach has inflicted immense damages on my country and the Iranian people. The US shall be held responsible for its internationally wrongful acts and is obliged to compensate the injuries incurred upon Iran.

Before, the current US administration came to power and during election campaign the current US president pledged to withdraw from nuclear deal. It is lamentable that the international agreements become the subject of political rivalries in the United States. In such cases the only important issue is to do something against the opposite part.

The US withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and defied its obligations under JCPOA, while in accordance with the UNSC Resolution 2231, it had the obligation to adhere to its commitments under the nuclear deal.

The internal political reasons were made and US domestic laws were invoked to justify this move. In accordance with the provisions of international law, it is not acceptable to raise internal political issues or national laws to shrug off the international obligations. But the US did so without paying attention to its obligations.

United States is not allowed by any means to apply its domestic laws and regulations at international level in defying the provisions of international law. If the US act prevails in international relations, no international agreement including the UN Charter, would be able to sustain.

US was first of the hope that with its withdrawal from the deal and exerting Maximum Pressure, Iran would give in and the JCPOA would collapse. But all its desperate unilateral attempts failed.

The US Administration, thus, recently entered into another phase of sabotage which is disguised with a form of legal debate. They have put forward the issue of the so-called snapback, upon a peculiar, unprofessional and arbitrary interpretation of the UNSC Resolution 2231. They tend to make use of the resolution that pretending to be a participant in the JCPOA.

Such simplified misinterpretation of an international document can only come from the one who either has no shred of understanding of the international law and the norms of interpretation, or has evil intention against a nation or the international community as a whole.

As far as we are aware, the US enjoys a good human resources, therefore the first scenario cannot be the case. However, there are some petty politicians including in our region who support every ill-founded US argument. As we know them, they probably enjoy both characteristics mentioned above.

Madam Chair

The fact is clear, US is no more a participant of the JCPOA in order to be able to utilize the so-called snapback mechanism, and if it resorts to the UNSC Resolution 2231 to destroy the JCPOA, it is taking a wrong path, because; first, the main purpose of the Resolution is to maintain the deal and enhance its implementation not to turn into the tool to dismantle it, and second, the so-called snapback has a known procedure through the Joint Commission of the JCPOA, and for this, the initiator should be a participant of the Joint Commission to be able to trigger the process. Even if the US was a participant of the deal, it could have not trigger the so-called snapback without implementing its obligations thereunder in good-will.

Madam Chairperson,

The root-causes of all these conflicts, with which the Agency has also been technically associated one way or another, are the unilateralism and failure of the current management of international relations. That is because the United States as one of the most powerful members of international community is attacking its very basic foundations on a daily basis, instead of respecting its order, norms and regulations.

We do not only blame the United State for this situation in the world. We believe rather those countries who pretend to disagree with unilateralism in words but they are underpinning unilateralism by their deeds are equally responsible for such instability and turmoil in international relations. I call this phenomena “passive unilateralism”. If there is a member of the international community which succumbs to unlawful unilateral measures for the sake of its short-sighted interest and leaves the international community’s values, norms and laws unattended is a passive unilateralist. It should be kept in mind, that it is of no avail to advise or

recommend the unilateralist countries to abandon such measures, rather the members of the international community need collectively to resist against unilateral measures in order to uphold law and order at international level. Otherwise we have to get prepared to jump back to the pre Second World War era.

Unfortunately, passive unilateralism is pervasive in the current state of international relations. We are witnessing this on daily basis including during some deliberations of current agenda item in this room.

Some in this room intentionally or unintentionally are trying to change the place of victim and the victimizer. Some are even reluctant to name the United States as the one who has withdrawn from the deal and the current situation is the result of its acts. With such practice in international organizations it is hard to believe that multilateralism can survive.

Dear colleagues

Making a comment in the international forums is easy if you don’t care about the facts on the ground. You are not facing the sanctions and maximum pressure of the United States. Your cancer patients are not left without medications. Your children with the EB disease are not living with deadly pain waiting months and months for medicine. Billions of dollars of your assets are not blockaded illegally. But you have a moral duty to bear in mind this list and longer list by far to be able to make a realistic comment.

Madam Chair

Iran has repeatedly shown its willingness to implement the deal fully and effectively we should be realistic a bit. The US has withdrawn from the nuclear deal and has imposed additional sanctions on my country. We are adhering to our

obligations expressed in the deal but in the same time it is almost impossible to enjoy the rights stipulated therein. Therefore, Iran is using its remedial rights within the framework of the deal. However, we are ready to reverse the steps which have been taken as soon as we can enjoy freely the rights enshrined in the deal.

Having said all above, we should not lose hope and enhance cooperation with our partners in the JCPOA. The recent resistance shown by the members of the UN Security Council against the US unilateral measure in relations with the JCPOA is good example of reinforcing multilateralism. Such an action is commendable, and could be used as a lesson learnt in other international fora.

Madam Chair,

At the end please allow me to raise once again the question I raised at the beginning of my statement. Can JCPOA and its relevant inspections carried out by the agency still stay alive?  The answer would be yes if the world community stands firm against unilateralist policies of the United States and upholds its community values, norms and laws. Again the answer would be yes if we can strike a balance between the rights and obligations of Iran stipulated by JCPOA. No one can expect my country to implement all its obligations eternally without enjoying the rights provided for by the nuclear deal. No international agreement can be viable without a balance between rights and obligations therein. JCPOA is no exception.

In this respect I shall not fail to remind the commitments of EU /E3 members enshrined in the JCPOA. It goes without saying that they should implement their commitments fully and effectively under the nuclear deal. The answer of course is no if Iran cannot enjoy its rights under the JCPOA and international law generally. The answer again is no if there is no balance between the rights and obligations of Iran under the deal and if multilateralism is undermined and unilateralism continues to prevail in active or passive form.

I thank you Madam Chairperson.

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