European foreign ministers condemn 'threats' against IAEA chief

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom have condemned an Iranian newspaper's call for the execution of the head of the UN's atomic watchdog.

In a joint declaration issued on Monday, the ministers assured Rafael Grossi, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of their full support in carrying out his duties.

They also called on Iranian authorities to refrain from taking steps to end the country's cooperation with the IAEA.

"We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel," the statement said.

In Iran, a narrative has been circulating that an IAEA report triggered recent Israeli airstrikes and the ensuing 12-day war.

Grossi has increasingly been portrayed in Iranian media as an adversary, further escalating tensions between Tehran and the international community.

The condemnation comes in response to an article published by the Iranian daily Kayhan, which is widely seen as a hard-line state propaganda outlet, openly called for Grossi's arrest and execution.

The article has provoked sharp criticism in Western capitals.