Iran’s UN Envoy: Recent Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities “A Blow to the UN Charter,” Condemns Agency’s “Double Standards”
VIENNA – In a powerful address at the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Iran’s Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, delivered a firm critique of what he termed the UN nuclear watchdog’s “double standards” and its failure to respond to a recent military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
A Platform for Principle
The high-level conference, which brings together member states from across the globe, serves as a critical forum for international dialogue on nuclear energy and safeguards. Eslami, leading the Iranian delegation, emphasized the importance of the event as a “highly valuable opportunity” to clearly articulate Iran’s positions and confront policies perceived as inconsistent and biased.
Condemning Inaction and Double Standards
A central theme of Eslami’s remarks was the IAEA’s response—or lack thereof—to a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. He expressed profound disappointment, stating that the Agency had demonstrated a “clear lack of professional performance” by failing to issue any condemnation of the attack.
“We witnessed a completely neutral behavior from the Agency,” Eslami stated, “and they employed a true double standard in the most literal sense.” He contrasted this with what he described as the IAEA Director General’s frequent issuance of statements and resolutions concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, questioning the disparity in treatment.
Proposing a Landmark Resolution
In response to this perceived injustice, the Islamic Republic of Iran has tabled a significant resolution for the conference’s agenda. The proposed resolution seeks to establish an international norm explicitly prohibiting military attacks on nuclear installations.
Eslami acknowledged that the proposal has faced “very harsh positions” from some hostile nations but underscored the profound symbolic importance of its submission. “For us, the value of presenting this resolution is far greater than its approval,” he asserted. “Merely registering it with the secretariat and placing it before all member states sends a crucial message.”
A Blow to International Law
The Vice President framed the issue in the broader context of international law and the sanctity of the United Nations Charter. He declared that the recent attack on Iranian soil was not just an assault on its nuclear industry but, more fundamentally, “a blow to the UN Charter itself.” He argued that even if the resolution does not pass, its very existence highlights a critical failure in the international system to uphold its own founding principles.
Building Diplomatic Consensus
Despite anticipated opposition, Eslami expressed confidence in the diplomatic efforts underway. He noted that several like-minded nations have already accepted the rationale behind the resolution. He concluded that Iran views the entire process of bringing the resolution to the floor—including discussions and debates—as a “positive action,” regardless of the final outcome.
The conference, which runs from September 24-28, is also expected to feature dialogues aimed at expanding Iran’s international nuclear cooperation partnerships.