Iran: US and European Nations Abuse IAEA for Political Purposes

Iran has accused the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom of exploiting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for their own political ends. This statement was made in response to reports of a potential anti-Iran resolution being pushed by these nations during the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna. Esmaeil Baqaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said that while Iran has cooperated with the IAEA in the past, the US and the three European countries have abused the agency for their political purposes. Baqaei stressed Iran’s adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Safeguard Agreements. Reports suggest that the US, France, Britain, and Germany are seeking a draft resolution against Iran concerning non-compliance with safeguard obligations. Separately, US President Donald Trump is said to have requested the help of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the frozen US-Iran nuclear talks. The discussions, as reported by Trump’s aides, touched on the stalled talks between the US and Iran on the Iranian nuclear program, with Trump hoping for Russian mediation.