FRANKFURT: Berlin urged Iran on Sunday (Jun 29) to cease making “threats” towards the UN’s nuclear watchdog after Tehran rejected its request to go to nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States.
Tehran has accused Rafael Grossi, head of the Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company, of “betrayal of his duties” for not condemning the Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear websites, and Iranian lawmakers this week voted to droop cooperation with the company.
“I commend director normal Rafael Grossi and his workforce for his or her efforts and their unrelenting professionalism. Threats towards them from inside Iran are deeply troubling and should cease,” German Overseas Minister Johann Wadephul stated on X, with out specifying additional.
“I name on the Iranian authorities to completely cooperate with the IAEA and to make sure the protection of its personnel,” he added.
On Friday, Iranian Overseas Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that “Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed websites underneath the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and probably even malign in intent”.
Iran has stated it believes an IAEA decision on Jun 12 that accused Iran of ignoring its nuclear obligations served as an “excuse” for the struggle Israel launched on Jun 13.
Wadephul had already urged Iran on Thursday to maintain working with the IAEA, calling the vote by Iranian lawmakers to halt cooperation with the company “a very incorrect sign”.