TEHRAN – In a telephone conversation on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi and his Japanese Too Iwaiwa discussed a variety of bilateral, regional and international issues with a focus on nuclear diplomacy and development at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Araghchi criticized the “provocative and illicit” moves by the US and three European countries for submitting an anti-Iranian resolution to the IAEA Council. He said the effort will come at a sensitive moment as Tehran and Washington continue to negotiate indirect negotiations on an Oman-born Iranian nuclear program.
“The uncalculated, destructive decisions taken by the board against Iran will elicit a proportionate response from Tehran,” warned Aragucci, adding that those who use the institution for political leverage will be fully responsible for the outcome.
Reaffirming Iran’s long-standing position, Aragut said that although Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, he would not cite Islamic principles as the basis of this policy, it would not waive its right to peaceful nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment, a fundamental state right.
Iranian diplomats also praised Japan’s historically balanced foreign policy, and hoped that Tokyo, along with other IAEA board members, would support diplomacy and dialogue rather than escalation.
The Japanese Foreign Minister welcomed ongoing indirect consultations between Iran and the United States, reaffirming Japan’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear technology under international law.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the continued dialogue and regular diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Tokyo. They expressed their hope that such close communication would become even deeper and contribute to the expansion of bilateral cooperation at all levels.