Iran cautions UN nuclear watchdog against being used for political purposes

By Beril Canakci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iran’s foreign minister called on the UN nuclear watchdog to present what he described as an accurate picture of Tehran compliance and warned against the agency being used for political purposes.

This came in a phone call between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on Saturday, according to a statement from Tehran.

The call addressed ongoing nuclear negotiations and IAEA’s recent report on the country’s nuclear activities.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s cooperation with the agency and said its nuclear activities remain within the framework of the IAEA’s safeguards agreement. According to him, there had been “no deviation” in the country’s nuclear materials or activities.

He also called on Grossi to clarify Iran’s cooperation at next week’s IAEA Board of Governors meeting and to address what he said would be the consequences of "politically motivated actions."

Araghchi said Tehran would respond “appropriately to any improper moves by European parties” and warned that parties misusing the IAEA to pursue political agendas against Iran would be held responsible for the consequences.