Iranian FM: Agreement with IAEA invalid if UN sanctions reinstated

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned on Monday that Tehran's recent agreement with the UN nuclear watchdog on the resumption of cooperation will lose its validity if international sanctions are reimposed on Iran.

Araghchi made the remarks in an address to reporters upon arrival in New York to attend the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly while commenting on the move by France, Britain and Germany, collectively known as the E3, to reinstate the sanctions through the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, according to a video released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

He said if the E3's "destructive" action at the UN Security Council was eventually completed, Iran would take countermeasures. "We will once again see the unfolding of a new situation with the (International Atomic Energy) Agency."

Araghchi said he would meet his European counterparts during his visit to New York, noting that it is "the moment the other parties should decide whether to choose cooperation or confrontation."

He said the West had tested Iran in different periods and knew that the country did not respond to the language of pressure and threat, but that of respect and dignity, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only solution to Iran's nuclear issue.

He reiterated that the current situation regarding the 2015 nuclear deal was a consequence of the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the accord and re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran in 2018.

"We are still ready for a diplomatic solution, but one which safeguards the Iranian nation's interest and takes into account our security concerns," he added.

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal has been under strain since the U.S. withdrawal, prompting Iran to gradually reduce compliance.

Last month, the E3 triggered the "snapback" mechanism, which allows UN sanctions to be reimposed within 30 days if Iran is judged in breach of the accord. The UN Security Council on Friday failed to adopt a resolution that would extend sanctions relief for Iran. The sanctions are expected to take effect later this month if no new actions were taken in the Security Council.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday that the country's cooperation with the IAEA would be "effectively" suspended after the UN Security Council voted against extending the lifting of international sanctions on Tehran.