On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that the text of the cooperation protocol between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reached its final stages regarding the implementation of commitments and safeguards.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Baghaei stated that “the text takes into account the field realities resulting from the illegal attacks carried out by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities.”
He also noted that “the text considers the parliamentary law on the matter and the considerations of the Supreme National Security Council,” pointing out that “three rounds of negotiations have been held between Iranian representatives and the Agency.”
Baghaei explained that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Tunisia and Egypt as part of ongoing consultations with regional and Islamic countries to exchange views on international developments.
He added that “Araghchi will hold a meeting with the Director General of the IAEA during his visit to Cairo to conclude negotiations on a new cooperation protocol between Iran and the Agency.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on Monday that talks with Iran regarding the resumption of comprehensive inspections have made progress but warned that time is running out, expressing hope for an agreement within days.
Iran had decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its scientists and nuclear facilities is ensured, in accordance with standards and a timeline set by the Supreme National Security Council, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear sites during a 12-day war last June.