Iran warns of 'proportionate' response as Europe submits IAEA resolution

Iran warns the United Nations nuclear agency that its potential targeting of the country with “unconstructive measures” will be met with a “proportionate response” on the part of the Islamic Republic as European countries have submitted a new IAEA resolution.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Director General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday.

“If the opposite parties placed unconstructive measures on the agenda during the [Wednesday] meeting of [the IAEA’s] Board of Governors through issuance of a resolution [against Iran] regardless of the Islamic Republic’s goodwill and interactive approach, the country would respond in a required and proportionate manner,” the top diplomat said.

On Wednesday, European countries submitted a new anti-Iran resolution to the IAEA ahead of the board meeting.

The United States and its European allies have been taking numerous similar measures against Iran in line with their accusation against the Islamic Republic of alleged insufficient cooperation with the agency that runs counter to the standing status of the country and the body’s cooperation, which has even increased in frequency and quality over the past years.

During a televised interview on Saturday, Araghchi had likewise warned that any anti-Iran resolution would be met with “new actions” on the part of the Islamic Republic, “which they would surely not be happy about.”

Iran warns against anti-Tehran resolution after commitments verified by IAEA

Araghchi says any anti-Iran move at the upcoming meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors will further complicate the situation over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

The official had reminded during the interview that the IAEA was a technical organization bound by its relevant duties, which it had to observe by refraining from politicizing its decisions.

“It [however] looks like there is a political approach in this area, [as part of which] the Westerners are trying to force the agency’s director general into complicating the situation,” he had stated.

Araghchi had, however, expressed certainty concerning the fact that Iran would invariably adopt a “technical attitude” towards the agency and had “no problem” in cooperating with the body in light of the fact that it was assured of the peaceful nature of its nuclear energy program.

During the phone call, he also addressed the contents of Grossi’s recent visit to Iran, noting that the agreements that were made  during Grossi’s last week visit to Iran once again proved the Islamic Republic’s good will and its will towards enhancing its interactions and cooperation with the agency.

Both Araghchi and Grossi, meanwhile, underlined their respective side’s intention towards continuation of the course of dialog and interaction with the aim of resolution of standing differences and prevention of adoption of unconstructive and confrontational approaches.

Separately, Araghchi held a phone call with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, similarly stressing that the IAEA’s likely confrontational approach towards Iran will be met with the country’s “proper response.”

For his part, Lamola, whose country is on the IAEA’s Board of Governors, welcomed further cooperation between the Islamic Republic and the agency.

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