Iran rejects 'inflated' IAEA findings
Shafaq News/ Iran rejected the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on Monday, calling it 'politically motivated' and inflated, while insisting its nuclear program remains peaceful and under full oversight.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed the findings as a 'repetition of outdated claims' amplified under European pressure, cautioning that Iran is monitoring Western actions at the IAEA and will respond accordingly.
Addressing a recent US proposal on the nuclear file, Baqaei clarified that reviewing a draft doesn't imply agreement, stressing that Tehran will reject any deal containing what it deems 'unreasonable demands' or overlooking its rights. 'Verified, practical sanctions relief, especially in banking, is Iran's top priority.'
He also reaffirmed Iran's compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and cooperation with the IAEA, while warning of 'appropriate measures' if major powers continue what he described as 'provocative behavior' within the agency.
Rejecting allegations of military dimensions to Iran's nuclear activities, Baqaei blamed what he called 'Zionist [Israeli] narratives' for shaping US regional policy.
On Gaza, the Iranian official condemned the humanitarian situation as 'unmatched in scale,' calling for urgent international attention.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Khamenei slams US nuclear proposal: You cannot stop us
Shafaq News/ Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected the recent US proposal on the nuclear file as 'completely contrary' to Iran's capabilities. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 36th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini—the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Iran's monarchy—Khamenei said the US proposal, delivered via Omani mediation, aimed to dismantle Iran's nuclear capacity and undermine its self-reliance, reaffirming that Tehran will not abandon uranium enrichment under any circumstances. 'Our response to this American nonsense is clear: Who are you to tell us whether we should have a nuclear program? You cannot stop us.' Khamenei further emphasized that uranium enrichment is at the center of Iran's nuclear strategy, describing it as the 'key to the nuclear issue' and essential for scientific progress. 'The nuclear industry is not just about energy. It's the mother of all industries… Without enrichment, the program is meaningless,' he clarified, adding that his country has completed the full nuclear fuel cycle and would continue to build on that foundation. Despite five rounds of indirect negotiations between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, mediated by Oman, the two sides remain far apart—particularly over Iran's refusal to halt enrichment or export its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran insists its program is peaceful and has long rejected Western accusations of seeking nuclear weapons as unfounded and politically driven. On Tuesday, Araghchi reiterated during a visit to Lebanon that uranium enrichment is 'a non-negotiable national red line.' He had also emphasized in Cairo that Iran's nuclear activities are fully transparent and aligned with peaceful objectives. Khamenei, in turn, had voiced skepticism about the talks with Washington, stating that they are unlikely to produce positive results. He also criticized what he called excessive American demands, particularly the insistence on halting uranium enrichment, which he labeled unacceptable.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
KRG meets on urgent salary crisis
Shafaq News/ The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers will meet on Wednesday to address several key issues, with salary payments for public employees expected to top the agenda. Sources familiar with the matter shared with Shafaq News that the meeting may result in the adoption of a new salary disbursement mechanism or the introduction of alternative arrangements intended to ease the current challenges. Tensions surrounding salary delays intensified after Iraq's Finance Ministry halted May 2025 salary transfers to the Kurdistan Region. The ministry attributed the suspension to the KRG's alleged failure to transfer oil and non-oil revenues as stipulated in the federal budget law. In response, the KRG accused Baghdad of failing to meet its financial commitments, describing the move as politically driven. The suspension affects more than 1.2 million public employees across the Region. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani authorized the release of May salaries for Kurdistan Region employees, with disbursement framed as a temporary federal loan.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Israel captures fisherman in southern Lebanon
Shafaq News/ Israeli naval forces abducted a Lebanese fisherman off the coast of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to local media outlets. The incident reportedly occurred near Ras al-Naqoura, where four Israeli boats have crossed the maritime buoy line and seized the fisherman from his vessel. زورق إسرائيلي يطوق مركب صيد لبناني!أقدم زورق إسرائيلي على تطويق مركب صيد لبناني قبالة راس الناقورة وأوقفه، ورجّحت معلومات قيام جنود العدو باعتقال الصياد. #أخبار_الجديد — Al Jadeed News (@ALJADEEDNEWS) June 4, 2025 Further details about the individual's identity or the circumstances of the incident remain unclear.
