Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) \"in a new way\" during an exclusive interview with CGTN following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin. The remarks come after Iran suspended cooperation with the agency in response to what it described as Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities.
Araghchi emphasized Iran's strategic balancing act, stating that while the suspension marked a \"necessary response to external aggression,\" diplomatic channels remain open. The SCO meeting, attended by foreign ministers from member states including the Chinese mainland, Russia, and India, provided a platform for Iran to outline its approach to regional security and nuclear diplomacy.
Analysts suggest Iran's stance reflects growing efforts to strengthen multilateral partnerships amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program. The SCO, which accounts for 40% of the global population, has increasingly become a forum for addressing Eurasian security challenges.
This development holds implications for global energy markets and nonproliferation efforts, with business leaders and policymakers closely monitoring potential shifts in Iran's engagement with international oversight mechanisms.
