Iran to continue IAEA talks, seeks relief from sanctions

Iran confirmed it will continue its discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the coming days, but emphasized that any deeper cooperation depends on the lifting of international sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted on Monday that Tehran is ready to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program if what he called “oppressive sanctions” are removed.

Baghaei noted that Iran’s communication with the Agency remains “direct,” citing last week’s deputy-level visit to Tehran and the ongoing contact of Iran’s envoy in Vienna with the U.N. watchdog.
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At the same time, Baghaei criticized Britain, France, and Germany for threatening to activate the snapback mechanism to restore U.N. sanctions. He argued that these nations failed to meet their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal and did not condemn attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. According to him, European governments must decide whether they want to “play a constructive role or align with the Zionist regime.”

On regional developments, Baghaei underlined that Iran is closely monitoring the South Caucasus, warning that new transport projects must not undermine Armenia’s sovereignty. His remarks followed a U.S.-brokered peace deal granting Washington leasing rights to develop the Zangezur route, now rebranded as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).”

Addressing rumors linking U.S.-Iran diplomacy with the Jeffrey Epstein case, Baghaei dismissed the claims as speculation. He stressed that Iran’s focus remains on actions that safeguard its national interests.