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Iran reiterated Monday it will not negotiate its missile program under any circumstances despite U.S. demands, while International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reported progress in discussions to restore cooperation that Tehran suspended following Israeli and U.S. attacks.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized Iran's unwavering position during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry building in Tehran.
"Iran will not negotiate under any circumstances regarding the country's defense capabilities," Baqaei stated.
"This is an indisputable and unshakeable principle. Today, it has become clearer than ever that the Iranian nation will not allow any negotiation or dialogue on the necessary tools to defend Iran's sovereignty, honor, independence and security," he added.
The statement came in response to questions about Iranian National Security Supreme Council Secretary General Ali Larijani's remarks that the U.S. had presented limiting Iran's missile program as a condition for nuclear agreement negotiations.
Baqaei also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's meeting with European Union Foreign Policy and Security Policy High Representative Kaja Kallas in Doha had produced proposals that both sides are currently discussing with their respective authorities.
Without revealing the content of the proposals, Baqaei indicated another meeting with the E.U. would take place in the coming days.
Regarding the IAEA's Aug. 31 quarterly report on Iran's nuclear program, Baqaei expressed disappointment: "We were expecting a fair report that takes into account the realities on the ground."
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IAEA Director General Grossi told the agency's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that progress had been made in discussions with Iran about resuming cooperation.
"Progress has been made on this issue," Grossi said. "I sincerely hope that these discussions can be successfully concluded in the next few days to facilitate the resumption of our indispensable work with Iran."
Grossi noted that technical discussions had taken place in recent weeks in Tehran and Vienna to agree on practical steps for conducting verification activities in Iran.
The IAEA chief emphasized that Iran's full implementation of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains essential for improving the overall situation.
Iran is negotiating a new "cooperation model" with the IAEA following legislation passed by Iran's parliament on June 26 and approved by the Guardian Council.
The law forced the government to halt cooperation with the IAEA and ban inspector access, with provisions to be lifted only when Iran's nuclear rights are recognized and security guarantees are provided, subject to approval by the National Security Supreme Council.
Baqaei confirmed that expert-level discussions over the weekend on the new cooperation model were being reviewed by relevant authorities in Tehran, noting the talks had progressed positively.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Iran was working to reach an agreement with the IAEA on a new cooperation model, describing the Friday meeting in Vienna as positive.
Baqaei later announced that President Masoud Pezeshkian would travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, despite what he characterized as illegal U.S. restrictions on Iranian and Palestinian officials.
"Legally, such action cannot be taken, but unfortunately it is being done, and this is a clear violation of international law, especially the U.N. Headquarters Agreement, which clearly defines the duties of the host state," Baqaei said.
Iran will also participate in the IAEA General Conference beginning Sept. 15 in Vienna, where Baqaei said Iran would present a draft resolution on "banning any attack or threat against countries' peaceful nuclear facilities."
During a press conference following the Board of Governors meeting, Grossi was asked whether he would condemn Israel's killing of nuclear physicists in attacks on Iran.
"I am a diplomat. I am a man of my word. I am a man of negotiations," Grossi responded.
"I believe in international law, in solving problems through dialogue. That's why I will never condemn, rejoice or approve of acts of violence," he added.
Grossi acknowledged Iran's security concerns, stating that Iran "knows very well" it is one of the world's most inspected countries and that the IAEA has never transferred information to anyone. He added that they take "these allegations" seriously and are prepared to discuss Iran's security concerns, noting Iran has the right to request assurances as much as possible.
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