Tehran: The deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to visit Tehran on Monday, as confirmed by the Iranian foreign minister on Sunday. Abbas Araghchi announced that the visit will occur without any plans to inspect nuclear sites until a cooperative framework is agreed upon. He emphasized that bilateral cooperation will not commence until such a framework is established.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Iranian parliament recently passed legislation suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, citing perceived bias by the IAEA in favor of Israel and the US. This decision emerged in response to alleged attacks on Iran by these nations. Despite the suspension, Araghchi indicated that discussions with the IAEA would proceed on Monday to outline a potential cooperative framework.

Araghchi also commented on Iran's ongoing communications with European nations, highlighting their mention of the snapback mechanism. He stated that Iran does not view Europe as a participant in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and dismissed the relevance of the snapback mechanism. The mechanism is a point of contention as European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal have threatened to reinstate UN sanctions if Iran does not re-engage in nuclear negotiations.

Tensions have been high following a surprise attack by Israel on June 13 that targeted various sites in Tehran. Iran's response included missile and drone strikes, while the US conducted bombings on three Iranian nuclear sites. This 12-day conflict concluded with a US-sponsored ceasefire taking effect on June 24. Iran had been engaged in Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations with the US at the time of the Israeli attack.