Iran Warns of Response to Any Adverse Decision by IAEA BoG

In a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya talked about a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

Commenting on the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s determination to safeguard the legitimate and inalienable rights of its people to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy, including the right to enrichment.

He also denounced the provocative and improper move by the US and the EU3 to draft a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors amid the indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US.

Araqchi warned that any ill-advised or destructive decision made by the IAEA Board of Governors against Iran will draw Tehran’s proportional response, saying the parties that employ the UN nuclear agency for their political purposes will be held accountable for the consequences of Iran’s reaction.

Reiterating Iran’s opposition to the acquisition of nuclear weapons, Araqchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic will never forgo the Iranian nation’s right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

He also hailed Japan for adopting balanced foreign policies, hoping that Japan and the other members of the IAEA Board of Governors would take appropriate measures and stances to contribute to the course of dialogue and interaction.

For his part, Takeshi Iwaya welcomed the continuation of negotiations between Iran and the US.

The Japanese foreign minister also stressed Iran’s legitimate right to enjoy nuclear energy for peaceful activities.

Iran and the US have held five rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman, with the purpose of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

The next round of talks is planned to be held in Muscat on June 15.