Iraqchi's Warning Ahead of the Board of Governors Meeting: Issuing a Resolution Against Iran is Provocative

Ahead of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors meeting, Iran's Foreign Minister states that the proposal by France, Germany, and Britain to present a resolution against the Islamic Republic at this meeting is "unjustified" and "provocative." Abbas Araqchi, in a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on Wednesday morning, November 30, said this action would lead to "complicating the issue." He also warned Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a phone conversation: "If the opposing parties disregard Iran's goodwill and interactive approach and pursue unconstructive actions at the Board of Governors meeting by issuing a resolution, Iran will respond appropriately and proportionately." The Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, and according to Reuters, European powers are seeking to issue a resolution against Iran at this meeting, which is also supported by the United States. Araqchi had previously issued warnings regarding the sanctions on Iranian shipping on November 28, 1403, by the European Union and Britain, which were ineffective. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency reported an increase in Iran's 60% enriched uranium reserves but stated that Tehran recently promised not to increase its high-concentration uranium reserves further, provided that the Board of Governors does not issue a resolution against Tehran. Based on a quarterly report prepared by Rafael Grossi for the Board of Governors, which some Western news agencies published parts of on Tuesday, November 29, he specified that Iran had approximately 182.3 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium as of October 26, more than three weeks ago, which is 17.6 kilograms more than in August. The report adds that Iran committed to halt the expansion of its highly enriched uranium reserves during recent negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency and has since taken preliminary steps to achieve this. Mr. Grossi recently traveled to Iran to persuade Islamic Republic officials to increase cooperation and address the Agency's concerns. Islamic Republic officials emphasized cooperation during these meetings but reiterated that this cooperation would not be under pressure. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, stated in a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency that Tehran is ready to cooperate and align with this international body to "clarify ambiguities and doubts" regarding Iran's nuclear activities. Araqchi also warned about the possibility of activating the snapback mechanism. According to the Energy Agency's report, Iran is the only non-nuclear country enriching uranium to 60%, which is close to the 90% level required for nuclear weapons. The Agency has repeatedly criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation with this body and for not providing valid responses to previous questions in its quarterly reports. Previously, Iran's Foreign Minister had warned about the "critical conditions" of the one year remaining until the expiration of the JCPOA and the potential action by Europe to activate the snapback mechanism. The validity of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the JCPOA, will expire on October 18, 2025 (26 Mehr 1404), and nuclear restrictions against Iran will end. The "snapback" or "mechanism" allows for the immediate and automatic reinstatement of UN Security Council sanctions under specific conditions if Iran deviates from its nuclear commitments.