Iran warns of ‘confrontation’ over European resolution at UN nuclear watchdog

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran warned Wednesday of “confrontation” over a resolution submitted by three European powers against Tehran at the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, said that a European resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will turn the “cooperative atmosphere” between the two sides into a “confrontational one.”

Araghchi criticized a move by the European troika – France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – to table their fourth resolution against Iran at the IAEA, which will come up for a vote on Wednesday, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

“This move by the E3 is in clear confrontation with the positive atmosphere created in engagements between Iran and the IAEA, and will only make the issue more complicated,” he warned.

The vote comes days after IAEA chief Rafael Grossi visited Tehran and held wide-ranging talks with top Iranian leaders to revive cooperation between the two sides. He also visited two nuclear sites.

The top Iranian diplomat also strongly criticized new sanctions imposed on Iran by the European countries as “unjustified and provocative.”

The European Union’s foreign ministers on Monday decided to sanction Iran's shipping of drones and missiles to Russia, alleging that they are being used in the war in Ukraine.

Among those sanctioned is the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), the country's national maritime shipping company.

Meanwhile, Araghchi also spoke to Grossi on Wednesday and warned that Iran will “respond appropriately and proportionately” to any “unconstructive move” by IAEA members against Iran.

The Iranian minister highlighted that the agreements reached during Grossi's visit to Tehran demonstrated Iran’s “goodwill and determination to enhance interactions and cooperation” with the UN agency.

The two officials reiterated their commitment to “continuing dialogue and engagement to resolve disputes and address other agendas while avoiding unconstructive and confrontational approaches,” the statement said.

According to media reports, citing confidential IAEA reports, Iran has offered to cap its stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium and has already “begun implementation of preparatory measures.”

Iranian officials have not confirmed the reports. However, some Iranian media outlets say more advanced centrifuges would be activated with plans to inject gas into them if the IAEA resolution is passed against Iran.