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The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, denied claims that Iran was threatening or calling for the execution of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi.<\/p>\n
In an interview on CBS News\u2019s \u201cFace the Nation,\u201d Iravani was asked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio\u2019s warning on Saturday<\/a> that \u201ccalls in Iran\u201d for Grossi\u2019s arrest and execution \u201care unacceptable and should be condemned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo be clear, is Iran threatening UN inspectors?\u201d moderator Margaret Brennan asked Iravani.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, there is no[t] any threat,\u201d Iravani said, adding that cooperation with the IAEA has been suspended, \u201cBut there is no[t] any threat against the general director of the IAEA.\u201d<\/p>\n Iravani maintained that Iran will criticize the IAEA but suggested any threat would come from the individual level and does not reflect the general view of the government.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe some one \u2014 it is individual \u2014 opinion of the people that may criticize the IAEA or threat the general director,\u201d\u2019 he said. \u201cBut we criticize IAEA. Our assessment is that they have not done their jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n Iravani also assured Brennan that the inspectors are safe but that they cannot resume their work inspecting.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are in Iran. They are in the safe condition, but the activity has been suspended,\u201d he said. \u201cThey cannot have accesses to our site.\u201d<\/p>\n When Brennan asked whether Iravani would condemn calls for the IAEA chief\u2019s execution, the Iranian envoy said, \u201cyeah,\u201d before saying something inaudible.<\/p>\n Rubio issued his statement Saturday calling for Iranian officials to condemn the calls for Grossi\u2019s execution.<\/p>\n \u201cWe support the lAEA\u2019s critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the lAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n