Iran, IAEA Enjoy Deep Mutual Understanding

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said there is deep mutual understanding between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, hoping other countries would not intrude into these relations. 
“Ties between Iran and the agency are technical and respectful,” Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a regular press briefing on Monday, ISNA reported. 
He made the remarks in response to a question about the upcoming meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in which Iran’s technical issues are expected to be discussed. 
The diplomat called on all members of the 35-nation board to avoid any “miscalculation” and any move that could affect the negotiations in Vienna, Austria. 
“Political exploitation of the agency’s technical platform will provoke a different response from Iran,” he said.  
Talks are underway in the Austrian capital to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which has been on shaky ground since the United States pulled out in 2018 reimposed tough sanctions on Tehran. 
Iran has been increasing its nuclear activity beyond the limits of the deal which was set to lift international sanctions on the country. 
In its latest move in late February, Iran suspended its voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, ending the basis for snap IAEA inspections. But it agreed to keep the video footage and share it with the agency if it was provided relief from sanctions by a deadline. 
In March, Britain, France and Germany prepared a resolution, backed by the US, to put forward at the meeting of the IAEA 35-nation Board of Governors to criticize Iran for this move, as well as for failing to fully explain the origin of nuclear particles allegedly found in three locations. 
The three, however, backed off as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced fresh talks with Iran. 
Iran’s deadlines have now expired whereas sanctions are still in place. There are speculations about a possible visit by Grossi to Iran ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting later this month, although Khatibzadeh said he was unaware of such arrangement. 
He stressed that cooperation with the agency on technical issues continue at a good level. 
“Questions have been answered and talks continue on a regular basis,” he said. 

Limited Window

Referring to the Vienna talks, he said they will be conducted but only to ensure the US return to compliance. 
“There are no negotiations on a new script and accepting new commitments,” he stressed. 
The talks have been on hold since June when they reached key areas of difference. Both sides blame each other for the impasse. 
The US says the ball is in Iran’s court while Tehran blames Washington for sticking “stubbornly” with its position, refusing to lift the sanctions unconditionally. 
The top US envoy for the negotiations has recently said Washington “can’t wait forever” for Iran to decide it wants to restart the talks.
Khatibzadeh said in response that neither will Iran wait forever and allow the US to put pressure on the Iranian nation through the illegal instrument of sanctions.
“Iran will not wait forever for the US to return to their commitments,” he said, adding this is “a limited window of opportunity” for the US. 
He hoped that American authorities will present a definite plan for implementation of their obligations and removal of sanctions. 
“These negotiations must guarantee the interests of the Iranian nation … they must come to Vienna with a realistic agenda and resume full JCPOA compliance,” he said. “This is what can produce an outcome for all of quickly.”