TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday dismissed European and Cypriot criticism of its nuclear activities, calling the accusations a recycled narrative pushed by Israel and its allies, reported by Tasnim News Agency.
Spokesman Esmail Baqaei said the “peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program is beyond any doubt,” rejecting claims of wrongdoing as “baseless and unfounded.”
His comments came days after the International Atomic Energy Agency’s deputy director visited Tehran for discussions on a new framework of cooperation. Baqaei said the talks — centered on security and oversight of nuclear facilities — were constructive and would continue in the coming days.
Turning to a letter sent by Britain, France, and Germany to the United Nations invoking the possibility of a “snapback” of sanctions, Baqaei argued the Europeans have “no right to use this tool” and labeled the move illegal. He accused the three countries of failing to uphold their own obligations under the 2015 nuclear agreement while ignoring U.S. withdrawal from the deal and Israeli sabotage against Iranian nuclear sites.
“They did not even provide a logical explanation for their positions,” he said, accusing European governments of playing a “destructive role” aligned with “Zionist interests.”
Despite the criticism, Baqaei emphasized that Iran has not cut off dialogue with Europe. “We never stopped talks with them,” he said. “But they must clarify whether they intend to play a constructive role or a negative one.”
While contacts remain ongoing, he confirmed no date has been set for the next round of negotiations.
For Tehran, the standoff reflects a deeper frustration: the sense that while Iran remains open to engagement, Western powers prefer confrontation over compromise.
