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Key Points

Iran has expressed strong objections to a report from Austria's intelligence agency suggesting its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tehran's Foreign Ministry summoned Michaela Pacher, Austria’s charge d'affaires, to demand an explanation. Senior Iranian diplomat Alireza Molaqadimi emphasized that the report contradicts the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) findings. As tensions rise, indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. continue, focusing on nuclear program discussions and lifting sanctions.

Key Points: Iran Challenges Austrian Intelligence Report on Nuclear Program

  • Iran disputes Austrian claims on nuclear weapons
  • Tehran summons Austrian envoy for explanation
  • Diplomat Alireza Molaqadimi highlights IAEA contradictions
  • Iran engages in indirect US talks amid tensions
2 min read

Iran summons Austrian envoy over 'misleading' intelligence report

Iran summons Austrian envoy over claims in report on its nuclear weapons pursuits.

"The move casts unwarranted doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. - Iranian Foreign Ministry"

Tehran, May 31

Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned Austria's charge d'affaires in Tehran to protest "misleading and baseless" claims in an Austrian intelligence report about its nuclear program.

Senior Iranian diplomat Alireza Molaqadimi met with Michaela Pacher to convey Iran's objection to the report issued by Austria's Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence Service, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The Austrian report, published on Monday, alleged that Iran was continuing to pursue "an active nuclear weapons programme" aimed at bolstering its regional influence and deterring external threats, Xinhua news agency reported.

Molaqadimi rejected the accusations, saying they contradicted assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and reiterated that Iran's nuclear activities were in full compliance with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), according to the statement.

He described the Austrian agency's assessment as "irresponsible and provocative," and called on Vienna to provide an official explanation. "The move casts unwarranted doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme," the ministry said.

Pacher assured Iranian officials that she would convey Tehran's protest to her government, according to the Iranian statement.

Earlier on Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, also dismissed the Austrian report as "fake and baseless," accusing Vienna of participating in a media campaign against Iran.

The report comes amid ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear programme and the lifting of US sanctions, with five rounds of negotiations held since April under Omani mediation -- three in Muscat and two in Rome.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
As an energy-hungry nation, India should watch Iran's nuclear developments closely. We've maintained good relations with both Iran and the West - this balancing act is crucial for our energy security. Hope diplomacy prevails 🤞
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Priya M.
Why is Austria suddenly making these claims? The timing seems suspicious when Iran-US talks are ongoing. West always tries to pressure countries that don't follow their diktats. IAEA reports should be the benchmark, not individual countries' intelligence.
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Amit S.
Nuclear non-proliferation is important for global peace. But why single out Iran when Israel has nuclear weapons without any inspections? Double standards won't help. All nations must follow same rules.
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Sunita R.
India should stay neutral in this matter. We have our own challenges with China-Pakistan nuclear nexus. Let's focus on strengthening our defense rather than getting involved in West vs Iran tensions.
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Vikram J.
Iran has every right to peaceful nuclear energy, just like India. But transparency is key - they should allow full IAEA access to clear doubts. The world doesn't need another nuclear flashpoint when we already have enough in our neighborhood!
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Neha P.
Interesting how this comes when Iran is negotiating with US. Western powers always create hurdles when their rivals try to come out of isolation. Hope Iran shows patience - India went through similar sanctions during our nuclear program days.

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