Iran Denies Threatening IAEA Chief After State Paper Calls for His Execution

Iran has asserted that it does not pose any threat to the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, following strong backlash to a hardline Iranian newspaper’s recent call for his execution.

The state-run Kayhan newspaper, known for its ultra-conservative stance and close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office, had published a piece last week accusing Grossi of acting like an “inspector for the CIA and Mossad,” and stated that, according to Islamic law, he deserved death. This sparked international concern over the safety of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials.

Responding to the outrage, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani claimed that Tehran has no intention of threatening Grossi and emphasized that the country maintains its cooperation with the IAEA. He clarified that the newspaper’s stance does not represent the official position of the Iranian government.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always shown its commitment to international obligations,” Kanani said, distancing the government from the provocative editorial.

Grossi had expressed alarm over the editorial, noting that such statements endangered IAEA staff working in Iran. In a press conference at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, he said the agency would not be deterred by threats or intimidation.

The editorial came amid renewed tensions between Iran and the IAEA, as the agency continues to press Iran for answers about unexplained nuclear materials discovered at undeclared sites. Grossi recently visited Iran in an attempt to secure greater cooperation from Tehran, but little progress was reported after the meetings.

International criticism followed the editorial, with the U.S. State Department describing it as “despicable” and demanding accountability. The European Union also condemned the rhetoric, calling on Iran to protect all IAEA personnel under international law.