[96481] Iran denies coordination with IAEA regarding inspection of damaged nuclear facilities

Iran clarifies its position regarding IAEA visits

Foreign Ministry spokesperson of the Islamic Republic, Esmaeil Baghaei, issued a series of firm statements today denying any cooperation or coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the inspection of damaged nuclear sites. According to reports in Iran International, which is identified with critical positions toward the regime in Tehran, Baghaei emphasized that no meeting had taken place with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, and that there is "no cooperation" or plan to allow foreign inspectors at sites damaged by bombings.

The reports come following statements attributed to the US Vice President, who claimed that there could be moves for inspection visits. Official sources and those close to the regime in Iran, including the Revolutionary Guards channel and state television, were quick to echo the spokesperson's words, according to which "there was no meeting with Grossi and no discussion about inspection of nuclear facilities took place." A similar position was also presented on the official website of government members.

At the same time, other sources such as Hut News added that from Tehran's perspective, Iran's military and missile capabilities will never be a subject for negotiation with any entity. The channel also noted that "approval was given for the export of oil and petrochemical products" as part of the country's economic measures.

Al Arabiya in Persian summarized that Tehran relates to the damage to its facilities as a result of an "imposed war," thereby denying the need or its consent for the entry of IAEA inspectors into these sites, officially rejecting international reports that suggested otherwise.