President Pezeshkian Criticizes I.A.E.A. “Double Standards” in Call with French President Macron
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) for what he described as “double standards” that have undermined both regional and global security. His remarks came during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, held to discuss recent developments surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions.
In response to President Macron’s concerns over Tehran’s reduced cooperation with the I.A.E.A., President Pezeshkian highlighted what he termed the agency’s “biased conduct”, including the publication of “inaccurate reports” about Iran’s nuclear activities and the agency’s failure to condemn attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He warned that such actions have eroded the credibility and trust essential for constructive engagement.
“The dual behavior of the I.A.E.A. has caused many problems for regional and global security,” President Pezeshkian stated.
The Iranian president also questioned the agency’s reliance on intelligence from Israel, which he described as a “criminal regime” not party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and accused of violating international law. He criticized what he viewed as the international community’s silence in the face of attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists and facilities, allegedly carried out by Israel with U.S. backing.
“Even while Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States, we were attacked, and Iranian scientists and military figures were killed. The so-called advocates of human rights even sought to justify these crimes,” Pezeshkian remarked.
He cautioned that without security guarantees, even renewed cooperation with the I.A.E.A. could leave Iran’s nuclear infrastructure vulnerable.
“The Iranian people now seriously question what assurances exist that our nuclear facilities will not be targeted again even if the Islamic Republic of Iran continues with its cooperation with the agency,” he added.
Despite the criticism, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue, calling on international institutions to promote peace by acting within their mandates and treating all member states equally and impartially.
In his response, President Macron offered condolences for the Iranian victims of recent Israeli attacks and reiterated that France was among the first countries to condemn the joint U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iran. He emphasized that Israel holds no legitimate legal standing in relation to Iran’s nuclear program and supported Iran’s call for equal application of I.A.E.A. regulations.
President Macron also stressed the importance of Iran maintaining cooperation with the I.A.E.A., potentially under a renewed framework, and underscored the need to sustain constructive dialogue with European partners moving forward.
