Iran Criticizes UNSC Meeting as Unwarranted Interference in IAEA Engagement

Iran’s ambassador, Sa’eed Iravani, criticized a recent UNSC meeting as an unwarranted interference in Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, accusing it of perpetuating a failed pressure policy. He emphasized the technical nature of the meeting’s discussions, which should have remained within the IAEA’s mandate and reiterated Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities and respect for diplomatic solutions.

During a recent Security Council meeting, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Sa’eed Iravani, expressed strong discontent over what he deemed an unwarranted intrusion into Iran’s cooperative engagements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He characterized this meeting as a continuation of the failed “maximum pressure” policy against Iran and cautioned that such actions may jeopardize the credibility of the Council itself.

Ambassador Iravani articulated his concerns that this meeting was misappropriating the Security Council to promote specific political agendas, rather than fostering a genuine dialogue on nuclear non-proliferation. He maintained that the topics discussed were purely technical and within the IAEA’s jurisdiction, reiterating that these issues had already been addressed in a recent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.

In his remarks, Iran’s envoy pointed out that the United States, the United Kingdom, and France had overlooked their own roles in the current situation, notably the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. He emphasized that this unilateral action violated Security Council Resolution 2231, resulting in significant repercussions for Iran, including the reimposition of illegal sanctions.

Iravani also emphasized Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA post-U.S. withdrawal, detailing Iran’s strategic patience and cooperation with the IAEA. He articulated that Iran has not breached the JCPOA, asserting that accountability lies with those who abandoned their commitments and continued to impose sanctions, which have severely affected the Iranian populace.

Moreover, he firmly maintained Iran’s peaceful nuclear stance, stressing that the Non-Proliferation Treaty does not impose limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment levels and highlighted that Iran’s nuclear program is subject to rigorous IAEA inspections. Iravani condemned any attempts to politicize this technical matter, underscoring Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology and its commitment to uphold diplomatic negotiations amidst pressures of economic sanctions.

Lastly, Iravani reaffirmed Iran’s dedication to negotiation and diplomacy. He reported ongoing discussions with European nations regarding nuclear issues and sanctions, along with continuous dialogues with key JCPOA members, Russia and China. He closed by emphasizing that Iran would not capitulate to threats and that any resolution must be rooted in mutual respect rather than coercion, demanding respect for the principles underpinning the Security Council’s creation.

In summary, Iran firmly opposes the actions taken by the Security Council, viewing them as a political maneuver rather than legitimate discourse on nuclear matters. The Iranian envoy highlighted the responsibility of Western nations for the existing tensions, particularly the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA. By asserting their right to peaceful nuclear development and emphasizing a preference for diplomacy over coercion, Iran aims to address the ongoing challenges while underscoring their commitment to international obligations. The need for accountability and respectful negotiation is paramount moving forward.

Original Source: ifpnews.com