Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Saturday that Tehran will not halt its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but will instead adopt a new approach to ensure the protection and security of its nuclear sites. Speaking to ambassadors and foreign mission heads in Tehran, Araghchi said the shift in policy is in response to what he described as the erosion of international non-proliferation norms. "The fact that the non-proliferation system is being so easily violated represents a damage—not just for Iran—but for the international community and international law," he said, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Araghchi reiterated Iran's continued commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), affirming that its nuclear program "has always been peaceful and will remain so." He said Iran would continue to review IAEA requests "case by case" under the oversight of the Supreme National Security Council, in accordance with Iranian parliamentary law. While emphasizing national sovereignty over its nuclear policy, Araghchi also revealed that Iran has received "numerous messages" from the United States signaling interest in resuming negotiations. "Iran has no fear or hesitation about negotiating," he stated, "provided that the interests and benefits of the Iranian people are secured." He also issued a warning about "serious risks" related to Iran's nuclear facilities, citing potential radioactive leaks and the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance left behind following US military actions. The statement comes in the wake of a recent 12-day military confrontation between Iran and Israel that began on June 13, when Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military and civilian sites, killing at least 606 people and injuring more than 5,300, according to Iran's Health Ministry. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes into Israeli territory, reportedly killing 29 people and injuring over 3,400, according to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The hostilities were paused under a US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect on June 24. — Agencies
