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HomeWorld‘Calls for execution of IAEA chief unacceptable’: US condemns Iran’s threats, urges safety of agency personnel

‘Calls for execution of IAEA chief unacceptable’: US condemns Iran’s threats, urges safety of agency personnel

The US condemned Iran's calls to arrest IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, urging Tehran to ensure the safety of agency personnel amid escalating nuclear tensions.

June 29, 2025 / 08:19 IST
Rubio urges Iran to ensure safety of IAEA personnel amid rising tension

The US has condemned calls within Iran for the arrest and execution of Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iran must ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel following recent tensions involving Israel and US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites.

In a post on X, Rubio said, “Calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of IAEA Director General Grossi are unacceptable and should be condemned.”

He added, “We support the IAEA's critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the IAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel.”

This came  after  Iranian parliament vice speaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei banned Grossi and removed surveillance from its nuclear facilities, accusing Israel of acquiring “sensitive facility data," according to a report from Mehr news.

A bill  suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog was voted in favour by the Iranian lawmakers.

“From now on, our relationship and cooperation with the (International Atomic Energy) Agency will take a new form," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after the bill was approved by Iran’s Guardian Council.

Iran has rejected Grossi’s request to visit facilities bombed by Israel and the US, saying it suggests “malign intent".

Meanwhile, Grossi said Iran is likely to be able to begin to produce enriched uranium “in a matter of months", despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks.

Iran criticized Grossi for failing to condemn the Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear sites and accused him of directly enabling the attacks through a May 31 report that highlighted Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Additionally, Iran condemned the IAEA for adopting a resolution on June 12, accusing the agency of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations.

Moneycontrol World Desk
first published: Jun 29, 2025 08:16 am

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