Tehran (TDI): Iran has issued a pointed warning to Western powers and Israel, cautioning against what it calls a growing campaign of pressure by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) just days before a fresh round of nuclear negotiations with the United States.
Speaking on state television, Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, said Tehran could further reduce its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog if pressure continues.
“We have gone beyond our obligations in cooperating with the IAEA. If that goodwill is ignored or exploited, we will return to basic cooperation only,” Kamalvandi declared.
His remarks came as the IAEA’s Board of Governors convened in Vienna for a critical five-day session, with Iran’s nuclear activities taking center stage.
Iran has long contested IAEA reports, including allegations of nuclear traces found at undeclared locations.
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On Monday, Kamalvandi suggested the presence of uranium particles at the Turquzabad site near Tehran was the result of sabotage, implying that foreign intelligence agencies planted the material and informed inspectors where to look.
The IAEA’s original tip reportedly stemmed from an Israeli intelligence operation in 2018, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicized as a breakthrough in exposing Iran’s nuclear intentions.
This week, in a counter-move, Iranian officials claimed they had obtained a cache of classified documents allegedly revealing details about Israel’s own secretive nuclear weapons program.
While no documents have yet been released, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the information would strengthen its deterrence and enable swift retaliation if Israel targeted Iranian facilities.
“Any Israeli aggression will trigger proportionate strikes on their undisclosed nuclear assets,” the council warned.
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Iranian military and intelligence figures echoed the message, calling the newly acquired material a strategic asset, especially at a time when Iran’s regional allies have suffered recent setbacks in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.
Iran also criticized IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing him of acting with political motives and aspiring to a higher post within the UN system.
Mohammad Eslami, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, said Grossi was executing the agenda of “a few Western states.”
Grossi rejected the accusations, asserting that the IAEA operates independently and follows its technical mandate.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
