Iran says nuclear co-op with IAEA governed by domestic law, not secret talks

Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is fully based on domestic legislation passed by the Iranian Parliament in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has said.

At his weekly press briefing on October 28, Baghaei dismissed claims by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding alleged secret negotiations. He stressed that the law approved by Parliament forms the legal framework for Iran’s interaction with the IAEA, and that the country continues its obligations as a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) member, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Part of Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA is routine, such as the replacement of fuel at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Baghaei noted. He emphasised that under current circumstances, the scope and framework of cooperation are defined solely by parliamentary law in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council.

“The NPT and the Safeguards Agreement form the basis of Iran’s engagement with the IAEA, just as for any other country,” he added.

Baghaei also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2231, under which Iran had voluntarily accepted time-bound commitments aimed at lifting sanctions. However, he emphasised that Iran itself determines the extent and limits of its cooperation and will continue to act in accordance with both its international obligations and national legislation.

By Khagan Isayev