The Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) stated that until the IAEA clarifies the status of military attacks on a nuclear industry under its supervision, Tehran will not accept or respond to “irrelevant political pressure” to re-inspect bombed facilities, which he described as an attempt to “complete the enemy’s operation.”
Tehran – hambastegimelli – Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mohammad Eslami reacted to recent remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, stating that such comments suggest Grossi is “playing a role in the enemy’s roadmap.” He also addressed the recent UN Security Council session, describing the reports and statements presented there as “completely unprofessional and illegal.” Eslami noted that the duration of Resolution 2231 has expired, and even if parties intended to invoke it, they failed to follow its established legal procedures.
Eslami emphasized that no country in history has cooperated with the IAEA as extensively as Iran. He pointed out that Iran’s nuclear industry has been subject to the heaviest inspections in history, yet there has not been a single report from IAEA inspectors indicating “non-compliance or deviation from safeguards standards.” He reiterated that Iran’s activities are entirely peaceful and aimed at the country’s technological advancement.
Regarding the facilities that were targeted in military strikes, the AEOI chief explained that according to Article 68 of the Safeguards Agreement, protocols only exist for natural damages and accidents, while military attacks and bombings are not addressed. Eslami challenged the Agency, stating that if the IAEA believes attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities are permissible, it should formally pass such a resolution. If not, it must condemn the attacks and define the protocols for post-war conditions.
He further noted that Iran has formally written to the Agency demanding a clear definition of the actions to be taken when a registered and supervised nuclear industry is attacked. Eslami stressed that until this legal vacuum is addressed, Iran will not yield to psychological and political pressure for re-inspections of damaged sites.
In another part of his remarks, Eslami mentioned the “Nuclear Technology for Life” multimedia festival organized in collaboration with the state broadcaster (IRIB). He stated that in the face of heavy disinformation and false narratives from foreign media regarding Iran’s nuclear program, it is essential to provide a multi-layered and factual narrative to the public to better introduce the realities of the country’s nuclear achievements.
