Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a strong message to the international community upon taking office on June 7, stating that future cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A) depends on it acting impartially in dealing with Iran instead of applying “double standards.”
Pezeshkian held a press conference in Tehran on Wednesday to highlight that while Iran is committed to peaceful nuclear development, IAEA credibility is being undermined due to uneven treatment and political pressure from Western powers.
Pezeshkian asserted: “We believe in open cooperation with international organizations; however, such cooperation cannot continue if Iran is unfairly singled out while other nuclear-proactive states get free passes from accountability measures. The era of selective accountability must come to an end.”
Commentators made these statements amid renewed tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which remains a source of anxiety to both regional neighbors and Western governments. Over the past year, the I.A.E.A. has repeatedly asked Iran to allow access to specific nuclear sites and clarify matters related to undeclared material; Iran responded by decreasing voluntary transparency measures citing U.S. sanctions as well as failure in reinstating 2015 nuclear agreement known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Pezeshkian, widely seen as a moderate figure compared to his predecessors, has indicated his willingness to engage diplomatically with both the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and global powers, but trust must be earned on both sides. “Iran cannot be expected to fulfill its obligations while being denied rights,” he noted, noting how certain nations possess nuclear arsenals yet are unchecked by scrutiny or international monitoring bodies.
Pezeshkian’s comments prompted no direct reply from I.A.E.A, headquartered in Vienna; however, Director General Rafael Grossi had previously called upon Iran to resume full compliance with monitoring and verification measures. Recently, Grossi visited Tehran in an effort to reestablish communication and restore access to key facilities – however talks have since broken down as Iran accuses IAEA of being driven by political agendas from within, such as from the United States or Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a separate statement echoing Pezeshkian’s remarks and reiterated that they remain signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), with no plans of developing nuclear weapons. Officials cautioned, however, that sustained pressure and manufactured crisis narratives could severely damage Iran’s relationship with IAEA.
Pezeshkian’s comments have met with mixed responses on an international scale. While some European diplomats welcomed his open tone, others remain dubious of Iran’s intentions given its growing stockpile of enriched uranium and lack of transparency. U.S. officials have stressed the need for Iran to allow unfettered inspections before any sanctions relief or rejoining of JCPOA can be considered.
Analysts speculate that Pezeshkian’s comments were likely meant to change the narrative and assert Iran’s demands before any negotiations take place. With multiple conflicts ongoing in the Middle East region, its status remains an integral factor of regional stability.
Pezeshkian’s administration appears set to push hard for an equitable global nuclear oversight regime that treats all nations equally without suspicion or prejudice.