Iran tells IAEA chief it will negotiate, but not under pressure

Iran is willing to resolve disputes with the United Nations nuclear agency over its compliance with safeguards on its atomic programme but will not do so under pressure, Iran's foreign minister said after meeting the IAEA head on Thursday.

European powers are pushing for a new resolution against Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board next week to pressure Tehran over what they view as its poor cooperation, diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has for months sought progress with Iran on issues including a push for more monitoring cooperation at its nuclear sites and an explanation of uranium traces found at undeclared sites.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, writing on X after talks with Grossi in Tehran, said: "The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights, but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation."

He was referring to the three main European powers, France, Germany, and Britain.

The talks took place with Donald Trump due to take office again as U.S. President in January. During his previous tenure, the United States pulled out of the 2015 accord between Iran and several world powers aimed at curbing its suspected nuclear missile programme.

Araqchi said the talks with Grossi were "important and straightforward", while the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation Mohammad Eslami said they were "constructive".

"As a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue," Araqchi added.