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Foreign ministers

European Countries Condemn Iran's "Threats" Against UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

European countries France, Germany, and the UK have condemned Iran's "threats" against the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, following Iran's refusal to allow inspectors to visit its bombed nuclear sites. The E3 countries have expressed their full support for the IAEA and called on Tehran to resume full cooperation with the agency. Meanwhile, Israel has expressed openness to normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that the country is "interested" in normalizing ties with its Arab neighbors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iran has refused to allow IAEA inspectors to visit its bombed nuclear sites, citing concerns over their safety, despite the calls of the E3 countries to resume full cooperation with the agency.
  • The E3 countries have condemned Iran's "threats" against IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while also expressing their full support for the agency.
  • Israel has expressed openness to normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that the country is "interested" in normalizing ties with its Arab neighbors.
  • Iran has criticized IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's insistence on visiting the bombed nuclear sites, saying such insistence was "meaningless and possibly even malign in intent."
  • The 12-day war between Iran and Israel, sparked by the US strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, has highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region.

Statistics:

  • 12 days: The duration of the war between Iran and Israel sparked by US strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
  • 3: The number of Iranian nuclear sites struck by the US.
  • 1: The day before the Israeli strikes, the IAEA's board passed a resolution accusing Iran of ignoring its nuclear obligations.
  • 1: The request by the IAEA to Iran to visit its bombed nuclear sites.

Sources:

  • [“France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the director general of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, and reiterate our full support to the agency,” Foreign Ministers Jean-Noel Barrot, Johann Wadephul and David Lammy said in a joint statement.](https://www.dw.com/en/france-germany-and-uk-condemn-iran-threats-against-nuclear-watchdog/a-58663244#:~:text=France%2C,security%20matters%2C%20particularly%20Iran%27s%20nuclear%20program.)
  • [“How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency's inspectors when Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked a few days ago?” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a news conference.](https://www.dw.com/en/france-germany-and-uk-condemn-iran-threats-against-nuclear-watchdog/a-58663244#:~:text=France%2C,security%20matters%2C%20particularly%20Iran%27s%20nuclear%20program.)
  • [“The three countries comprise the E3 group, which coordinates on foreign and security matters, particularly Iran's nuclear program.”](https://www.dw.com/en/france-germany-and-uk-condemn-iran-threats-against-nuclear-watchdog/a-58663244#:~:text=France%2C,security%20matters%2C%20particularly%20Iran%27s%20nuclear%20program.)

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