Baghaei: Talks between Iran and the IAEA have been positive

Ismail Baghaei, Foreign Ministry spokesman, speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, September 17, 2025, answered questions from domestic and foreign media about recent developments in Iran’s foreign policy.

At the beginning, he referred to the escalation of genocide plans through targeting residential areas in Gaza, saying: “The Israeli prime minister is pursuing a plan of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the forced displacement of its residents, a move that has drawn strong international reaction.”

He added: “The launch of the Sumud flotilla reflects the global outrage over the ongoing developments in Gaza.”

On the new IAEA report regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Baghaei said: “We have reviewed the report and will convey our position in a note to the Agency and to member states of the Board of Governors. We expected a fair report based on realities on the ground—particularly the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This matter was important enough that the Agency should have addressed it in detail. The drafting of the report dates back to before those attacks.”

He continued: “The Agency has come to understand that the manner in which Iran fulfills its safeguards commitments cannot remain the same as before the attacks on its peaceful nuclear facilities. The Agency has realized it must hear and take into account Iran’s viewpoints.”

Baghaei noted that three rounds of talks between Iran and the IAEA have been held so far. “We have not yet reached a conclusion, but the talks have been positive. The security of Iran’s nuclear facilities has been at the core of our negotiations. We await the final discussions and the completion of the final text outlining the framework of Iran–IAEA interaction.”

He also said: “In the Agency’s new report, it was mentioned that documents related to Fordow had been transferred to Vienna, but the IAEA acknowledged this was a mistake.”

Baghaei added that the date for the next round of talks is not yet set: “The outcome of the third round of talks in Tehran is under review, and we will decide based on our final assessment.”

Regarding the meeting between Deputy FM Abbas Araghchi and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Baghaei said: “The discussions were useful, with ideas exchanged. We hope these contacts will eventually raise awareness among European parties about the consequences of adopting a confrontational approach toward Iran.”

He stressed: “We consider it our duty to use every opportunity and platform to advance our interests, voice our demands, and warn against the misuse of the ‘snapback’ mechanism.”

Baghaei noted that in the meeting with EU official Kallas, proposals were raised by both sides that require consultation with relevant authorities: “A decision will likely be made in follow-up contacts in the coming days.”

On sanctions, Baghaei said: “The issue and consequences of sanctions should not be exaggerated. The re-imposition of UN sanctions is illegal and damaging. We must prepare ourselves for every possibility domestically and in coordination with our economic partners.”

He emphasized that Iran continues consultations with China, Russia, and other economic partners. Baghaei added: “China and Russia share Iran’s view that the three European states lack the legal standing to re-impose UN sanctions, since they themselves have consistently violated their commitments. We are clearly seeing more Security Council members express dissatisfaction with the European troika’s approach, viewing the use of this mechanism as complicating the issue further.”

He also said: “The Zionist regime is the only obstacle to achieving a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East. It is the most dangerous regime committing genocide and is not a party to the NPT. Israel poses a serious and immediate threat to both the region and the world. Regional states and other responsible actors for global peace and security have consistently demanded that Israel be compelled to accede to international treaties.”

On Iran’s stance toward the NPT, Baghaei reaffirmed: “We are a member of the NPT and safeguards agreements. Withdrawal from the NPT is a matter under discussion in Parliament, and any decision rests with the system as a whole. The continuation of such discussions does not mean a decision has been made so far.”

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, noting that the 25-year agreement with China is currently being implemented without problems, said: “This is a comprehensive agreement covering various fields, and naturally it faces challenges in implementation. Streamlining its execution is on the agenda.”

He added that in President Pezeshkian’s contacts and meetings with counterparts from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states and “Shanghai Plus” countries, various issues were discussed, including clarification of Iran’s nuclear positions. “In addition, upcoming processes and developments regarding the IAEA Board of Governors meeting and Iran’s relations with the Agency were also discussed.”