Iran’s president continued his verbal assault on the International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday, calling on the U.N.-backed watchdog to end its double standard against his country.
During a phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly urged the IAEA to curb its unfair treatment of Iran if it wants to repair their relationship.
“The continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the agency depends on the latter correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file,” Mr. Pezeshkian said, according to Iranian state media. “Any repeated aggression (against Iran) will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response.”
Iran formally ended its cooperation with the IAEA last week following the enactment of a law that requires Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to approve any foreign inspections of its uranium enrichment facilities.
Without foreign oversight, Iran may be able to accelerate its enrichment program after it repairs damage done by Israeli and U.S. bombing. The new law also means that no independent investigators will be able to detail that destruction.
The IAEA has confirmed that its few remaining inspectors have left the country, though agency leader Rafael Grossi said the organization is dedicated to returning to Iran.
Tehran’s relationship with the IAEA has deteriorated over the past month. Iranian leaders have rebuked the agency for not condemning the Israeli and American attacks. Mr. Pezeshkian has also said the IAEA’s June report on Iran’s failure to uphold its nonproliferation obligations paved the way for Israel’s preemptive strike on June 13.
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