(MENAFN) Iran asserted on Monday that it will not entertain any negotiations involving its defense strength during talks surrounding its nuclear program.

Esmail Baqaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, emphasized during a media briefing in Tehran that “Iran’s defensive capabilities will never be subject to negotiations,” as reported by a government-backed press agency.

Baqaei further acknowledged that no global nuclear inspectors are presently operating within Iran’s borders.

Nevertheless, he revealed that Massimo Aparo, the deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is anticipated to visit Iran “within the next 10 days.”

Referring to previous steps taken by the Iranian legislature, Baqaei explained that parliament had enacted a law that halted certain cooperative measures with the IAEA.

He noted that Iran’s future course of action will be determined following Aparo’s inspection.

On May 16, the three European countries involved in the 2015 nuclear accord – the United Kingdom, France, and Germany – gathered in Istanbul and concurred to stay in communication amidst indirect Iran-US negotiations.

Discussions between Tehran and Washington had been ongoing via Omani intermediaries until a sudden offensive by Israel on June 13 against Iran led to a 12-day conflict.

The assault targeted Iran’s military bases, nuclear infrastructure, civilian zones, high-ranking military officers, and nuclear experts.

In reaction, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks, while the United States retaliated by striking three Iranian nuclear locations.

MENAFN05082025000045017167ID1109885548