France, Germany, UK Condemn Iran’s ‘Threats’ Against UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have jointly condemned threats against Rafael Grossi, Director General of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, after Iran rejected his request to inspect nuclear facilities damaged in recent strikes by Israel and the United States.

In a joint statement issued Monday, Foreign Ministers Jean-Noël Barrot (France), Johann Wadephul (Germany), and David Lammy (UK) expressed firm support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its leadership.

“We condemn threats against IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support for the agency,” the statement read. “We call on Iranian authorities to refrain from any actions that would further reduce cooperation with the IAEA.”

Tensions escalated after Iranian lawmakers voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, accusing Grossi of “betrayal of his duties” for failing to condemn the Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Grossi’s request to visit the bombed facilities as “meaningless and possibly even malign in intent.”

The three European powers urged Iran to immediately resume full cooperation with the IAEA in accordance with its legally binding international obligations. “All necessary steps must be taken to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” they said.

Earlier this month, the IAEA passed a resolution on June 12 accusing Iran of failing to meet its nuclear commitments—an action Tehran labeled a pretext for the conflict that began the following day and ended with a fragile ceasefire last week.

Grossi has said Iran’s nuclear sites sustained “enormous damage” during the attacks.