Iran Denounces IAEA Claims on Nuclear Program

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned the IAEA for its “untrue” claims regarding the nature of Iran’s nuclear program at a press briefing. He asserted that these assertions stem from political motives rather than facts. Iran’s uranium enrichment levels have reportedly increased, causing international concern. Despite attempts to revive the nuclear deal, negotiations have stalled since August 2022.

On March 3, 2025, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei held a press conference in Tehran, where he criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Director General, Rafael Grossi. He described their recent claims regarding Iran’s nuclear program as “untrue” and emphasized that Iran’s efforts are fundamentally peaceful. This statement was in direct response to IAEA reports that alleged an increase in Iran’s production of highly enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels.

During the conference, Baghaei contended that Grossi should confine his statements to factual representations rather than engage in political conjectures, which he deemed outside of the IAEA chief’s responsibilities. He asserted that such statements do not reflect the reality of Iran’s nuclear activities, which operate under international law and comply with the safeguards agreements with the IAEA. Baghaei expressed concern that external political pressures from certain Western nations may be influencing the IAEA’s conclusions.

In the reports released by the IAEA, it was claimed that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to levels of up to 60 percent purity had reached 274.8 kg. This quantity is deemed sufficient by the IAEA to potentially yield six nuclear bombs if further enriched. Baghaei’s remarks come against the backdrop of Iran’s nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was established in 2015 but has faced challenges after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent sanctions placed on Iran.

Since efforts to revive the JCPOA began in April 2021, multiple rounds of negotiations have occurred in Vienna, yet no significant advancements have been reported, particularly since talks stalled in August 2022. The foreign ministry’s statements underscore Iran’s commitment to its nuclear program’s peaceful nature, amid ongoing tensions with the IAEA and Western countries.

In summary, Esmaeil Baghaei firmly criticized the IAEA’s recent claims about Iran’s nuclear program, arguing they lack factual basis and stem from external political pressures. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear agenda, asserting compliance with international agreements. The continued escalation in uranium production has raised concerns internationally, affecting ongoing negotiations regarding the JCPOA, which remain unresolved since mid-2022.

Original Source: english.news.cn