Iran Demands IAEA Take Stand Against U.S. Threats to Its Nuclear Facilities
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take a clear stance regarding U.S. threats against Iran’s civilian nuclear sites, following Donald Trump’s remarks about “bombing” Iran. During a phone call with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, Araqchi stressed that Iran will take all necessary measures to protect its nuclear program. Grossi expressed willingness to engage in dialogue and requested a visit to Iran, which was accepted.
Trump recently warned that if Iran does not negotiate a new nuclear deal, the U.S. would resort to military strikes. In response, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei, stated that while Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, any attack by the U.S. or Israel under a false pretext could push the country toward developing atomic bombs. However, Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Khamenei’s fatwa, which prohibits nuclear weapons. He emphasized that there is no evidence Iran has violated its commitments even after Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018.
Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged restraint and diplomatic solutions. Iran rejected Trump’s request, sent via the UAE, for new negotiations, citing ongoing U.S. military threats and economic pressure. Araqchi insisted that diplomacy remains possible but ruled out any military solution, reiterating that Iran will not engage with Washington under Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy.
