Pezeshkian: IAEA membership is meaningless without impartiality

Pars Today – The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, referring to Iran’s extensive and principled cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in previous years, stated that the continuation of such cooperation depends on correcting double standards regarding Iran’s nuclear dossier.

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and António Costa, President of the European Council, held a telephone conversation on Wednesday evening to discuss recent international developments, particularly the 12-day imposed war against Iran and the prospects for relations between Iran and the European Union.  

According to Pars Today, Pezeshkian outlined the principled positions of the Iranian government in pursuing constructive engagement and effective dialogue with the world, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to peace, stability, and regional and international security, especially in the new era.  

Detailing the criminal actions of the Zionist regime and its destructive role in disrupting global peace and security, he emphasized: "Our country was targeted by the aggression of the Zionist regime and the U.S. while it was on the path of dialogue and negotiation. When they faced the decisive response of the Islamic Republic of Iran, they were forced to call for a ceasefire. Undoubtedly, the Zionist regime could not have taken such action without U.S. coordination and approval."

Responding to the European Council president’s concerns over Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, Pezeshkian stressed Iran’s adherence to dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect, and international law frameworks. He described the recent resolution by the Iranian Parliament as a reaction to the biased and unprofessional conduct of the IAEA Director General.  

Pezeshkian added: "The failure to uphold impartiality in reporting, ignoring blatant attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and remaining silent on violations of international law are examples that undermine the IAEA’s credibility and led to the passage of this law in the Iranian Parliament. 

Naturally, one of the expectations of member states in international bodies like the IAEA is balanced support and benefits. Otherwise, membership in such institutions holds no value or justification."

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran also referred to the long-standing, principle-based cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency in recent years, emphasizing that the continuation of such cooperation depends on the rectification of double standards regarding Iran’s nuclear file. He further warned that any repetition of aggression will be met with a more decisive and regret-inducing response.

Pezeshkian appreciated the European Council president’s efforts to strengthen diplomacy and constructive engagement, reiterating Iran’s readiness to expand relations and resolve issues with the EU through respectful and productive dialogue.  

In the call, António Costa expressed the EU’s desire to find diplomatic solutions to existing issues and enhance cooperation with Iran, stating: "I fully agree with you that international organizations must avoid double standards. The EU deeply respects Iran’s history, civilization, and culture and is fully prepared for dialogue and cooperation."

The European Council president also offered condolences for the martyrdom of Iranian citizens in recent Zionist regime attacks, adding: "The EU condemns Israel’s human rights violations in Gaza and emphasizes the need to stop the war, deliver humanitarian aid, and effectively support the Palestinian people."

MG/UR