France, Germany, UK condemns threats towards head of UN nuclear watchdog
E3 countries urge Tehran to ensure safety of International Atomic Energy Agency staff, uphold international obligations
ISTANBUL
France, Germany, and the UK on Monday condemned threats made towards the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and expressed their full support for the UN nuclear watchdog and its leadership.
In a joint statement, the trio – also known as the E3 countries – reaffirmed their backing of the IAEA’s independent and impartial role in monitoring nuclear activities and called on Iran to avoid any steps that could undermine cooperation with the agency.
The countries "condemn threats against the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the Agency and the DG in carrying out their mandate," the statement said.
They urged Iranian authorities to resume full cooperation with the agency “in line with its legally binding obligations” and to “take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel.”
Earlier, the French Foreign Ministry said Paris "firmly condemns threats" targeting Rafael Grossi and reiterated its "full support for the Agency and its Director General in the implementation of its mandate in an independent and impartial manner."
The statement voiced deep concern over what it described as any challenge to Iran’s cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
"France expresses its great concern over any undermining of Iran's cooperation with the IAEA. It calls on the Iranian authorities to fully, immediately and unconditionally fulfill their international obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement," it said.
The ministry also reminded Tehran of its responsibilities on the safety and security of IAEA personnel in the country.
Paris reaffirmed its commitment to a “robust, lasting and verifiable negotiated solution” as the only way to address the serious concerns raised by Iran’s nuclear program.
The statements followed controversial US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by Iran barring Grossi from entering the country and Iran’s parliament passing a bill halting cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
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