The president said that such double standards have caused many problems for regional and global safety. It is expected that the IAEA defend the rights of member states while respecting the sovereignty of all countries and avoiding any form of double-standard behavior.
In a telephone conversation with Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, President Pezeshkian responded to Macron’s concerns regarding Iran’s decision to halt collaboration with the IAEA. He criticized the behavior of the IAEA Director-General for presenting false reports about Iran’s nuclear program and for not condemning the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite such acts being in violation of all international laws.
Pezeshkian said that Iran’s government and Parliament view the issue through the lens that, despite all the cooperation and interaction Iran has shown, the agency has not been neutral, and this is unacceptable to Iran. He explained that the Iranian Parliament’s decision to stop cooperation with the agency stems from the people’s demand and is a natural reaction to the unjustifiable, non-constructive, and destructive behavior of the IAEA’s Director-General.
Pezeshkian stated that Iran has repeatedly emphasized that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and has consistently proven it has no intention or inclination to do so. Iran welcomed negotiations to resolve all doubts and accusations about its nuclear activities. However, while negotiations were ongoing, it was subjected to Israeli strikes, backed by the United States.
Pezeshkian added that, unfortunately, this criminal act led to the martyrdom of a number of our patriots, including scientists and military commanders. He said it is even more regrettable that the so-called advocates of human rights and international law, instead of condemning this crime, tried to justify the anti-human and illegal actions of the Zionist regime of Israel.
Pezeshkian stated that when the IAEA Director-General is not committed to international law and avoids condemning attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, it is illogical to expect member states to adhere to such laws. He reiterated that “all of Iran’s nuclear activities have always been under the supervision of the agency’s inspectors, and all monitoring cameras were active at Iran’s nuclear sites.” However, after multiple acts of sabotage by the Zionist regime at these sites, the U.S. also initiated a military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “It was unbelievable that the IAEA, instead of condemning them, justified these anti-human and illegal actions.” Pezeshkian asked Macron, “Do you think this behavior is logical?”
President Pezeshkian described the recent behavior of the Atomic Energy Agency as a source of concern and said it had significantly reduced Iranians’ trust. “The first step to rebuild this damaged trust is full commitment to international obligations and full respect for the strict observance of the law.”
The President asked, “Why should the criminal Zionist regime, which is not a member of the NPT and has acted against international laws for years, be the source and basis of the IAEA’s reports?” He added that these double standards have created many problems for the security of both the region and the world. He emphasized that the IAEA is expected to defend the rights of its member states while avoiding any such behavior.
Pezeshkian said that the main question among the Iranian people is, “Under the current conditions and in light of recent experiences, even if Iran continues cooperation with the IAEA, what guarantees are there that its nuclear facilities will not be violated again?” He added that when the Zionist regime—responsible for unprecedented crimes against defenseless women and children—brazenly attacks Iran and labels the country as a threat to regional safety, and the global community merely watches, “what remains of international law and regulations?”
Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran’s principal policy is to avoid war and insecurity, and to resolve issues through diplomacy and dialogue. He expressed hope that international organizations and entities, including the IAEA, will fulfill their commitments and guide the world toward peace and safety instead of war and conflict.
Macron, for his part, extended condolences for the loss of Iranian lives in the recent Israeli attacks. He said that France was among the first nations to condemn the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran.
Macron stated that France has explicitly told the Zionist regime that it does not recognize any legal or legitimate authority for the regime regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
He said France understands and supports Iran’s positions on the fair and equal application of laws by the IAEA.
He also emphasized the continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, even within a new framework, and stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue with European countries.
