The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, denied claims that Iran was threatening or calling for the execution of Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA) Director Basic Rafael Grossi.
In an interview on CBS Information’s “Face the Nation,” Iravani was requested about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning on Saturday that “calls in Iran” for Grossi’s arrest and execution “are unacceptable and must be condemned.”
“To be clear, is Iran threatening UN inspectors?” moderator Margaret Brennan requested Iravani.
“No, there isn’t any[t] any menace,” Iravani mentioned, including that cooperation with the IAEA has been suspended, “However there isn’t any[t] any menace in opposition to the overall director of the IAEA.”
Iravani maintained that Iran will criticize the IAEA however advised any menace would come from the person degree and doesn’t replicate the overall view of the federal government.
“Perhaps some one — it’s particular person — opinion of the individuals which will criticize the IAEA or menace the overall director,”’ he mentioned. “However we criticize IAEA. Our evaluation is that they haven’t completed their jobs.”
Iravani additionally assured Brennan that the inspectors are secure however that they can not resume their work inspecting.
“They’re in Iran. They’re within the secure situation, however the exercise has been suspended,” he mentioned. “They can’t have accesses to our web site.”
When Brennan requested whether or not Iravani would condemn requires the IAEA chief’s execution, the Iranian envoy mentioned, “yeah,” earlier than saying one thing inaudible.
Rubio issued his assertion Saturday calling for Iranian officers to sentence the requires Grossi’s execution.
“We assist the lAEA’s important verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director Basic and the lAEA for his or her dedication and professionalism. We name on Iran to offer for the security and safety of IAEA personnel,” he wrote.