Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Sep 14: Iran’s leadership is grappling with next steps after a new technical accord with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), even as hardline lawmakers demand strict limits on inspectors following U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met the parliament’s national security commission on Saturday to assure members that IAEA inspectors will need case-by-case clearance from the Supreme National Security Council for any site visits beyond the Bushehr plant. He confirmed that some high-enriched uranium remains “under the rubble” of bombed facilities and is being assessed for contamination.

Araghchi warned that Iran could quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the European Union triggers the “snapback” of UN sanctions. France, Germany and the UK have given Tehran a month to renegotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, a move criticised by China and Russia.

Despite tensions, Araghchi said Iran and France are close to a prisoner swap involving Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman detained in Lyon on charges of inciting terrorism.

Meanwhile, former speaker and new security chief Ali Larijani urged Islamic nations to create a “joint operations room” after Israel’s unprecedented strike on Qatar aimed at Hamas leaders. Qatar will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on Monday, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian set to attend.