Iran has repeatedly said IT and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can resolve the remaining issues with the peaceful nuclear program, preventing the escalation of tensions that the Western countries, particularly the United States, are calling for.
In this context, Iran’s Minister of Justice and International Affairs, Qasem Galibabadi highlighted the “X” platform, where Iran is ready to talk to the IAEA to resolve unresolved issues. Gallibabadi’s statement came after an important meeting with IAEA Director Rafael Grossi. There, they discussed various aspects of the ongoing cooperation between Tehran and the institutions, as well as the unresolved nuclear issues that Iran is trying to resolve within the framework of its international obligations. However, these statements are not limited to technical aspects. They implicitly refer to political challenges that have led to the “politicization” of Iran’s nuclear file and disrupt the dialogue process.
Nuclear cooperation: A long history with institutions
Since the initiation of the nuclear program for peaceful purposes under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has sought to maintain cooperation with the IAEA, an international organisation to monitor nuclear activities and ensure a peaceful nature. This long-term cooperation has allowed Iran to build mutual trust with the institutions, as mentioned by Galibabadi in a recent statement, in the face of efforts to “politicize” this cooperation from the West. However, despite this continued cooperation, the remaining issues between the two parties need to be resolved, raising questions about the possibility of reaching a comprehensive solution.
Nuclear facility security: priority that cannot be ignored
One of the sensitive points mentioned by Gharibabadi is the issue of “security of nuclear facilities.” While the IAEA is working to resolve the remaining issues with Iran, ensuring the security of Iran’s nuclear facilities is one of the fundamental issues affecting cooperation between the parties. Iran sees nuclear security as a strategic priority, not just a complementary element. In this respect, Galibabadi emphasized that Iran is committed to securing all nuclear facilities that are part of its international obligations. However, this issue becomes even more complicated, especially when there is a continuing threat from the Zionist regime and the United States.
The US threat: accusations that do not exist in diplomacy
Statements from the US, particularly those from the current administration, continue to hold them accountable for retaliatory attacks committed by Yemen’s Houthis, and are one of the factors that undermines the possibility of serious dialogue between Tehran and Washington. These statements reflect foreign policy aimed at putting pressure on Iran in various regions, including the nuclear file.
Yemen has long been caught up in the war due to attacks by Saudi-led coalitions, but it has become a sensitive point of Iran-US relations. The Yemen War is not just an internal conflict, but a part of a proxy war involving regional and international countries, and Iran is one of the major political parties accused of supporting the Ansar-Allah Movement (Houthis). Yemen’s response to the coalition attacks supported by the US is, however, part of Yemenis’s right to self-defense, not Iran’s strategic decision.
Dialogue with Iran: a clear and conditional position
Iran took a clear stand on the dialogue in these circumstances. The country is only ready to participate in technical negotiations with the IAEA if these negotiations are free from political pressure to resolve the remaining issues. Iran also has basic conditions for this dialogue. It is a halt of threats to the United States, including media attacks and statements that hold them accountable for Yemen’s attacks.
Iran is well aware that nuclear deals with agencies are not possible under the conditions of political pressure from the United States and its allies. Therefore, Tehran stipulates that these dialogues must be held in an environment of mutual respect and without political tensions.
Can dialogue be achieved under these conditions?
Without a doubt, achieving an actual reconciliation in Iran’s nuclear file is not possible under continued political pressure from the US and its allies. Iran is ready for a dialogue, but this dialogue must take place within a framework of mutual respect and avoid threats and indictments that do not help build trust between the parties. Nuclear agreements with the institution are not merely political documents, but are a real opportunity to improve relations between Iran and the West and ensure the safety and stability of the region. However, this will only happen if political obstacles are removed and a campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s position is suspended.
If there is a true will to reach a peaceful agreement on the nuclear file, the basis of the dialogue must be independent and impartial technical cooperation without external pressure. What remains unclear is whether the West is ready to respond to Iran’s demands or whether it will continue to put political pressure on its real progress in the sector.
By: Mohammad Ali Najah