Iran’s Foreign Minister Reiterates Support for Hezbollah, Rejects IAEA Access to Nuclear Facilities
Iran FM Araghchi rejects IAEA inspections, vows continued Hezbollah support. Says nuclear talks with US depend on Iran's interests, calls Lebanon's disarmament plan a 'grave mistake' amid rising tensions.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed on Wednesday that Tehran’s position regarding both its nuclear file and its support for Lebanon’s Hezbollah remains unchanged, asserting that no international body, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will be granted access to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In an interview with Iran’s state television on Wednesday Araghchi stressed that the purpose of the upcoming visit by IAEA officials to Tehran is solely to establish a new cooperation mechanism, and “not to conduct inspections at Iran’s nuclear facilities.” He clarified that “no such permission will be granted.”
Araghchi stated that no final agreement has been reached with the United States regarding the resumption of nuclear negotiations. However, “message exchanges between the two sides are ongoing,” he said.
“The timing and content of future negotiations with the U.S. will depend entirely on what best serves Iran’s national interests,” Araghchi noted. “We remain prepared to pursue diplomatic avenues when they align with the well-being of our people.”
He added that Iran has sent an official invitation to the deputy director-general of the IAEA and its inspectors to visit Tehran only for the purpose of discussing a new framework for cooperation and coordination.
Firm Support for Hezbollah’s Right to Defend
Touching on recent developments in Lebanon, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran continues its unconditional support for Hezbollah, particularly in rejecting efforts aimed at disarming the group.
“Iran supports Hezbollah’s firm stance against attempts to dismantle its arsenal,” he declared, adding, “Tehran backs Hezbollah without imposing any conditions or interfering in its strategic decisions.”
He described past and current efforts to disarm Hezbollah as “not new,” saying that the group’s military capabilities had already proven their effectiveness in previous conflicts.
According to Araghchi, “Hezbollah’s structured and disciplined forces possess the strength and readiness to defend themselves.” He praised the group’s recent statements as evidence that Hezbollah continues to resist external pressure and uphold its commitments.
The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized the Lebanese government's decision to assign the army the task of enforcing a disarmament plan by the end of the year, calling it a “grave mistake.” Hezbollah had earlier denounced the same decision, describing it as a direct result of pressure from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack.
Iran believes that the Lebanese government’s move—particularly Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s endorsement of disarming Hezbollah—undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and grants a free hand to Israel.
In its latest statement, Hezbollah rejected the government’s plan and condemned the exclusion of its ministers from Cabinet discussions on the issue.
Araghchi concluded, “Future decisions belong to Hezbollah itself, and Iran will continue to stand by the group without meddling in its internal resolutions.”
As Iran draws a firm line around its nuclear sovereignty and regional alliances, the developments are expected to further deepen diplomatic rifts while complicating international attempts at mediation.
