Will the IAEA's Deputy Chief Foster Cooperation in Tehran?
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Tehran, Aug 11 (NationPress) The deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to arrive in Iran on Monday, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, referencing Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
During a press briefing on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Araghchi indicated that the primary goal of the visit is to facilitate discussions between Iran and the agency. He clarified that Iran has already shared the necessary insights with the IAEA regarding a new framework for bilateral cooperation, following a law enacted in late June by the country's parliament and Constitutional Council concerning the suspension of collaborations, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
Araghchi emphasized that no inspections or visits to Iranian nuclear facilities are on the agenda for the IAEA deputy director general's trip, stating, “We have not yet established a new agreement, and cooperation will not commence at this time.”
The decision by Iran to halt cooperation with the IAEA followed Israeli-US attacks on its nuclear sites and the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists in June. Iran has asserted it will maintain this decision until the safety of its nuclear facilities and personnel is guaranteed.
Earlier reports from the semi-official Fars news agency indicated that Massimo Aparo, the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the Department of Safeguards, will be the official visiting Iran.