TEHRAN: Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) left Iran “voluntarily” following the 12-day conflict with Israel and are expected to return in the coming weeks.
In an interview with a Chinese television network, he emphasized that Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA has not ceased, saying, “We did not expel them; they decided to leave on their own.”
This statement contrasts with remarks from Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, who indicated that inspectors would not be returning to Iran for the time being, and negotiations would not include their return.
During the conflict, the U.S. and Israel targeted three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, with President Donald Trump emphasizing the “complete destruction” of these sites.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, revealed that another enrichment facility near Isfahan, which was not yet operational, was damaged during the attacks.
The IAEA was supposed to visit this site, but the visit did not occur due to the assaults.
Tehran maintains that it will not halt uranium enrichment, which Washington considers a “red line.” Khatibzadeh also mentioned that Iran is not in a hurry to negotiate with the U.S. and seeks prior guarantees.
Trump warned that any renewed efforts by Iran to resume its nuclear program would be “immediately suppressed.” The Israeli attack preceded the sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., leading to the 12-day conflict.
