Iran’s Envoy Rejects US, UK, and French Claims at UN Meeting: A Strong Stand Against Allegations

In a recent Security Council meeting, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani addressed concerns regarding Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This session was convened by the United States and its allies—including the UK and France—who accused Iran of inadequate collaboration with the UN’s nuclear watchdog. The discussion follows previous closed-door meetings where these nations raised alarms about Iran’s enriched uranium levels, which they deemed impermissible.

During his remarks, Iravani emphasized that the US was misusing the Security Council to further its agenda, asserting that, “Washington has openly declared, in its own official documents, that it seeks to weaponize the Security Council as part of its strategy to intensify economic warfare against Iran.” He urged the Council to resist such manipulation and to adhere to international law.

The ambassador criticized the premise of the meeting, stating that the issues raised by the US and its allies were primarily the responsibility of the IAEA. He noted that these matters had already been discussed at the IAEA Board of Governors session earlier in Vienna. Iravani described the US’s actions as an interference in the constructive engagement between Iran and the IAEA, which he characterized as a continuation of the US’s unsuccessful “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.

This campaign, initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency and continued under Joe Biden, involved the US withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and reinstating sanctions that had previously been lifted. It has also included additional sanctions against Iran, with the US and its allies frequently attempting to portray Tehran’s nuclear energy program unfavorably by alleging non-cooperation with the IAEA.

Despite these accusations, Iravani defended Iran’s position, asserting that the country remains the most verified member of the IAEA, subject to extensive and frequent verification processes. He pointed out that Western nations, particularly the US, UK, France, and Germany, have continuously attempted to create a false narrative regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Key Points from Iravani’s Address:

• Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and committed to disarmament.
• Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has issued a fatwa banning the pursuit of non-conventional weapons.
• The US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, violating Security Council Resolution 2231.
• Iran has remained compliant with its JCPOA commitments while engaging in diplomatic efforts.
• Western nations have failed to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA.

During his speech, Iravani highlighted that the sanctions imposed by the US and its allies have violated the principles of the JCPOA and have adversely affected the Iranian people. He reminded the Council that after the US’s withdrawal, European nations capitulated to US pressure by reinstating sanctions against Iran. This has only intensified the situation, as they have ramped up coercive measures based on unsubstantiated accusations.

Despite ongoing provocations, Iravani noted that Iran has shown “strategic patience,” complying with its JCPOA commitments for over a year following the US withdrawal. He stated that only after exhausting all diplomatic avenues did Iran begin a phased response, in line with Paragraph 26 of the JCPOA, initiating a series of legal retaliatory steps.

Iravani firmly stated, “Iran has not violated the JCPOA. Those who abandoned their commitments—first and foremost the United States—bear full responsibility for the current situation.” He reiterated Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA’s Safeguards Agreement, dismissing claims that Iran’s nuclear program deviated from its peaceful intent.

The ambassador also clarified that the NPT does not impose limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, asserting that any restrictions were part of the JCPOA, an agreement that the US sabotaged. He emphasized that even with the suspension of some JCPOA provisions, Iran’s nuclear program remains under constant IAEA monitoring.

Iravani called for the Security Council to uphold its resolutions without bias, denouncing the hypocrisy of demanding compliance from others while neglecting their own violations. He stressed that Resolution 2231 should be implemented as agreed and must expire on schedule.

Furthermore, he reiterated Iran’s position of not engaging in negotiations while the US maintains an adversarial stance. “Iran will not negotiate under pressure. We will not surrender to threats. We will not accept dictates,” he asserted. “Diplomacy must be conducted based on mutual respect, not extortion.”

In conclusion, Iravani insisted that any path forward must start with accountability from those who abandoned their commitments and imposed illegal sanctions. “Iran will continue to defend its rights. We will continue to stand firm against coercion,” he stated, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to its nuclear program’s peaceful nature and its rights under international law.