"Iranian president claims trust in UN nuclear watchdog is shattered"

Trust in the UN nuclear watchdog has deteriorated within Iran, according to the country's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who relayed this position in a conversation with Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, European nations released a statement supporting the agency's leadership.

The discussion occurred as Iranian officials reported that the death toll in the 12-day aerial conflict with Israel and the U.S. had risen to 935, including 38 children and 132 women.

During the call, Pezeshkian criticized Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming he had failed to denounce Israeli and U.S. strikes that allegedly violated the UN charter and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). His remarks were less severe than those made by some Iranian media, where conservative outlets, such as Kayhan, suggested that Grossi should face trial and execution over alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad.

A joint declaration from the UK, France, and Germany expressed condemnation of threats against Grossi, reaffirming their full backing for the IAEA and urging Iran to comply with its obligations. “We call on Iranian authorities to avoid any moves reducing cooperation with the IAEA and to ensure the safety of its personnel,” the statement read.

However, resentment in Iran over perceived Western hypocrisy has intensified, leading to reluctance in allowing the IAEA to independently assess damage to nuclear facilities. Instead, Iran has relied on politically charged reports from the U.S. for such evaluations.

In the conversation, Pezeshkian reportedly asked Macron, “How can we be certain our sites won’t be targeted again, even if we cooperate?” He also questioned why Israel, a non-signatory to the NPT, was permitted to influence IAEA findings.

Although speculation persists about secret Iran-U.S. talks mediated by Oman, Iranian deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated no formal arrangements had been made.

A tentative proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff suggests Iran could retain limited uranium enrichment rights, operating under strict oversight on Kish Island.

Former UK ambassador to Iran Nicholas Hopton, speaking at an event by the Royal United Services Institute, acknowledged severe harm to Iran’s government but doubted whether Israel's primary goals—including regime change—had been achieved. He noted that while Iran showed no immediate signs of pursuing a nuclear weapon weeks ago, around 400 kilograms of enriched uranium remain unaccounted for.

He added, “It will take time before the IAEA can restore its role effectively.”