Tehran [Iran], July 13: Iran does not intend to completely stop working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contrary to earlier announcements, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday.
Cooperation has not been terminated, he said, according to the state news agency IRNA. However, all activities related to the UN's nuclear watchdog will now be elevated to Iran's National Security Council.
"The agency's requests will be examined, assessed, and responded to individually with regard to Iran's interests," the minister said.
At the end of June, Iran's parliament passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA until the security of Iran's nuclear facilities is guaranteed. The National Security Council is to determine when that condition has been met.
Just over a week ago, IAEA inspectors left the country following the formal suspension of cooperation.
Araghchi: Others must also be serious about diplomacy On June 13, Israel began striking targets across Iran, including nuclear facilities. The United States later entered the conflict and bombed three of Iran's most important nuclear sites.
Prior to the outbreak of the 12-day war, Tehran and Washington had spent more than two months negotiating over Iran's nuclear programme, aiming to place limits on it to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
While the future of those talks is uncertain, Araghchi said Iran is still open to diplomacy.
Source: Qatar Tribune
