Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said any military attack on nuclear facilities is outlawed, responding to US and Israeli threats to target those in Iran.
Grossi made the remarks in Tehran Saturday, in a joint news conference with head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami who urged the IAEA to help build trust.
The Biden administration has drawn closer to Israel in recent weeks, conducting large-scale joint military exercises with the regime.
Last month, US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said "all options are on the table" against Iran and that "Israel can and should do whatever they need to deal with, and we’ve got their back.”
“There are two separate issues in this regard. First, attacks on nuclear power plants have unfortunately become common, and this is due to the war in Ukraine. Second, these attacks have been condemned during the Agency's public conferences. So I think that the attack on nuclear facilities is totally condemned and illegal,” Grossi said.
He is visiting Tehran after Western reports claimed that IAEA inspectors had found 84% enriched uranium in Iran - an allegation Tehran has rejected.
"The recent visit by Mr. Grossi, which started yesterday, is a message to establish communications and relations between Iran and the [International Atomic Energy] Agency. Communications and reports must build trust," Eslami said.
Grossi said he had "constructive discussions" with Iranian officials that could pave the way for the revival of a landmark 2015 agreement to bring the US back to compliance and remove sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
"By constructive discussions that we are having now, and by good agreements, I'm sure we are going to be paving the way for important agreements," he said.
Calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to fulfill its duties towards Iran’s nuclear program “within the framework of the rules of Safeguards Agreement,” Eslami stressed the importance of avoiding the infiltration of elements that aim to hinder cooperation between the two sides.
“We must be able to resolve issues in a reassuring manner by avoiding the entry, penetration of elements and agents whose security and purpose is to disrupt a normal and professional relationship,” Iran’s nuclear chief said.
“[It should be done] In such a way that this method of interaction remains stable and the Agency can always maintain its duties in connection with Iran's nuclear program within the framework of the rules of Safeguards Agreement,” he added.
Eslami underlined that, “The issues have been dealt with in the form of bilateral and joint discussions between us, the Agency's colleagues and Mr. Grossi's colleagues, and I am confident that it will have a lasting impact.”
Commending as “powerful” the current of scientific research and nuclear technology in the Islamic Republic, Eslami expressed Iran’s readiness to share its nuclear achievements with other countries.
Source: Press TV
