Iran to respond with nuclear measures to IAEA condemnation: Exclusive
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, left, and Iran's Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami shake hands for media at the conclusion of their press conference in Tehran, Iran, November 14, 2024 (AP)
Iran is prepared to respond immediately with nuclear measures should the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors release a statement condemning the country, Iranian sources told Al Mayadeen on Tuesday.
The sources indicated that Iran's planned response includes injecting gas into centrifuges and activating advanced centrifuges previously installed in its nuclear facilities, the sources added.
Despite its readiness to escalate nuclear activities, Iran emphasized its commitment to diplomacy, with sources stating the country would not abandon dialogue. Additionally, Iran remains open to resuming negotiations if the other parties demonstrate genuine willingness to engage in productive talks.
Iran issued a strong warning on Saturday, stating that any decision against it by the IAEA Board of Governors would be met with countermeasures, including further steps in its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking in an interview with state television, affirmed Tehran's readiness for negotiations, asserting that "the windows of diplomacy remain open."
However, he also highlighted the changing nature of the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump. "The nuclear agreement no longer carries the same characteristics it once had," Araghchi remarked.
National interests
When asked about Iran's stance toward the new US administration, Araghchi stated that Tehran's policy would be guided by its national interests.
"Our position on the new US government will depend on its policies, the goals it announces, and the individuals it appoints," he explained.
Read more: Iran's cooperation tied to others' commitments, FM tells IAEA
Araghchi also addressed recent media reports alleging a meeting between Elon Musk and Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, dismissing and calling them "fabrications by American media."
Iran's foreign ministry reiterated this stance, categorically denying that its UN envoy had met with Musk in New York, calling the reports baseless.
No evidence of covert nukes
In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung on Thursday, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said that there is no evidence that Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons.
When asked about the possibility of Iran creating a nuclear bomb, Grossi said, "We have no information that the Iranians are pursuing a secret, parallel nuclear program."
Such a program has however existed in the past, as per IAEA data, he claimed.
At the same time, certain aspects of Tehran's nuclear activities, such as stocks of highly enriched uranium and the capability to manufacture advanced uranium centrifuges, raise concerns about potential links to a nuclear weapons program, according to Grossi.
"That's why we need clarity before there is a complete collapse of the surveillance system," the IAEA chief said.
Iranian retaliation
On Friday, Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), cautioned that any anti-Iran resolution from the IAEA would trigger an "immediate response."
Speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran with Grossi, Eslami stated, "Any resolution against Iran's nuclear program will be met with Iran's immediate response."
He reiterated that Iran remains committed to its nuclear activities in line with national interests and will take reciprocal measures if faced with confrontational actions.
"If the opposite side takes the path of confrontation, resolution, and disruption against Iran, it will receive a reciprocal response," Eslami warned.
However, he also signaled Iran’s willingness to engage constructively, noting, "If they take the path of interaction, Iran is willing to interact, but if they choose another path, Iran will make necessary decisions."