UN readiness for nuclear cooperation with Tehran

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi announced the agency's readiness to take into account Iran's demands in organizing cooperation regarding the nuclear file, stressing the need to continue work in the field of non-proliferation. Grossi said in an interview with RIA Novosti that the agency can organize cooperation with Tehran respectfully, taking its demands into consideration, while emphasizing that work in the field of nuclear non-proliferation must continue. The full restoration of inspection activities conducted by the agency in Iran remains one of the prominent issues raised, after Tehran restricted inspectors' activities following American and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, and its subsequent decision to suspend cooperation with the agency. Grossi explained that the nature of future cooperation depends largely on the developments of other political issues, pointing to the agency's need to exercise determination and patience. He stressed that cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is in Iran's own interest, adding that they clearly explain to their Iranian colleagues that interaction is necessary and that they must cooperate with them. The official Iranian television reported, citing an official, that Tehran is not currently conducting any negotiations regarding its nuclear program, confirming that Iran's position on the nuclear file has not changed. It is worth noting that the official Iranian position until now is that its program is completely peaceful and that it has no intention of producing nuclear weapons. This official position is politically and legally linked to a religious fatwa attributed to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei banning the manufacture of the atomic bomb.