This time, Iran has committed to the nuclear non‑proliferation treaty

ছবিঃ সংগৃহীত

International Desk: A day after suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday (July 4), “Iran remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its safeguards agreement.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi wrote, “From now on, our cooperation with the IAEA will be managed through Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which is necessary for security reasons.”

On Wednesday, President Masoud Pezeshkian enacted a law passed by the parliament a week earlier, ordering the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA. The United States has called this move “unacceptable.”

German Foreign Minister Araghchi made this remark in response to Germany’s call for Tehran to resume cooperation with the IAEA. Accusing Germany, he said they have “openly supported Israel’s illegal attacks, even on nuclear-protected facilities.”

Iran claims that the IAEA is siding with Western countries and creating a form of justification for Israel’s airstrikes carried out between June 13 and 24. These attacks began just one day after the UN nuclear agency’s Board of Governors accused Tehran of violating its NPT obligations.

Western nations have long suspected that Iran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program. However, Iran has repeatedly asserted that it is enriching uranium solely for peaceful purposes.

IAEA inspectors ensure that the nuclear activities of NPT signatory states are not used for military purposes.

According to the new law that came into effect on Wednesday, from now on, if the IAEA wants to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities, it will require the approval of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.

In a statement, the IAEA said, “We are aware of these reports. We are awaiting official information from Iran.”

Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a regular press briefing on Wednesday, “Iran must fully cooperate with the IAEA without delay.”