Iran stated it will continue cooperating with the UN nuclear watchdog under existing legal frameworks, despite expressing distrust towards the U.S. Technical talks with the U.S. have concluded, establishing a new committee for future negotiations.
Iran's continued cooperation with the IAEA, despite deep distrust of the U.S., signals a complex diplomatic path forward amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns over its nuclear program.
Iran has affirmed its commitment to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within established legal parameters, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. This cooperation will adhere to approvals from the Islamic Consultative Assembly and decisions by the Supreme National Security Council. These remarks coincide with reports of an impending memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, with nuclear oversight anticipated as a central component.
Earlier, Iran confirmed ongoing discussions with the UN nuclear watchdog, with further talks anticipated shortly. This engagement follows a period of suspended cooperation after Iran denied the IAEA access to its nuclear sites, reportedly due to alleged Israeli and American airstrikes. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi announced a breakthrough agreement to reinstate cooperation on inspections, brokered by Egypt, despite a prior vote by Iranian lawmakers to halt such cooperation. Grossi highlighted the continued validity of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) agreement and detailed new procedures for inspections and notifications. The U.S. and its European allies have also sought information regarding Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles.
Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, expressed significant distrust towards the United States, cautioning that hostile actions could persist despite any potential agreement. He stressed the importance for Iran to maintain a high level of readiness and bolster its deterrence capabilities through scientific and technological advancements, irrespective of diplomatic progress.
Technical discussions in Switzerland aimed at finalizing an agreement with the United States have concluded, according to Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi. He indicated that future negotiations will be managed by a newly formed high-level committee. Gharibabadi stated that four working groups have been established to address key discussion points: sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, reconstruction and economic development, and compliance mechanisms for a memorandum of understanding. The next phase of talks will involve senior political figures, potentially including the speaker of Iran's parliament, the Iranian foreign minister, the U.S. vice president, and the prime ministers of Pakistan and Qatar, who are mediating the process.
Esmail Baghaei stated to journalists that no visit is scheduled for IAEA inspectors to see nuclear sites earlier bombed by the United States, appearing to contradict statements made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding an agreement for IAEA site visits.
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