Iran’s IAEA Mission Delivers Key Insights Following Recent Agreement

The recent developments concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its reports on Iran’s nuclear activities have sparked significant discussions. The explanatory note regarding the Director General’s reports titled “The NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran (GOV/2025/53 – 3 September 2025)” and “Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (GOV/2025/50 – 3 September 2025)” highlights critical issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and its interactions with the IAEA.

The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office in Vienna has issued its comments on these reports, expressing concerns about their content and implications. Below are the key points raised in the note:

A) Military Aggression Against Nuclear Facilities

• The reports address military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran’s safeguarded nuclear facilities.
• Such actions are viewed as violations of international law and the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force.
• Numerous UN resolutions explicitly forbid attacks on nuclear facilities, emphasizing the need for international cooperation for peace and security.
• The IAEA’s failure to protect Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite advance warnings, has resulted in significant damage and loss of life.

B) Cooperation with the IAEA

• In June 2025, the Islamic Consultative Assembly passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA in response to military aggression.
• This law is considered a legitimate measure to protect national security and interests.
• Iran has engaged in three rounds of negotiations with the IAEA to address its Safeguards commitments under these extraordinary circumstances.

C) Nuclear Material Oversight

• All nuclear material in Iran is under constant supervision by the IAEA.
• However, a lull in verification activities has occurred due to illegal military aggressions.
• Restoration of peace and a mutually accepted framework are essential for resuming verification processes.

D) Remaining Safeguards Issues

• All nuclear materials and activities have been declared to the IAEA and have undergone rigorous verification.
• No undeclared nuclear activities exist in Iran, and complications arise from unwarranted aggressions.
• Past issues have been resolved, as documented in the DG’s report from December 2015.
• Iran argues that reliance on fabricated data from non-NPT member states undermines the credibility of the IAEA.

E) Conduct of Agency Inspectors

• Actions by two IAEA inspectors, who allegedly removed confidential documents from Iran, are deemed illegal.
• Iran maintains the right to object to inspector designations as stipulated in international agreements.

F) New Safeguards Arrangements

• The current INFCIRC/214 lacks provisions for safeguards under wartime conditions, prompting negotiations between Iran and the IAEA.
• The Director General’s report included unapproved text regarding these negotiations, which is seen as unprofessional.

Summary and Conclusion:

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has historically cooperated with the IAEA. However, Iran emphasizes the need for the Agency to maintain an impartial stance and resist political pressures. The military actions against Iran have altered the landscape of nuclear safeguards and cooperation.

Negotiations between Iran and the IAEA are ongoing and aim to address the legitimate concerns raised by Iran, particularly those related to the recent legislative measures enacted by the Islamic Consultative Assembly. It is crucial for both parties to engage constructively to ensure the continuation of cooperation.

Despite the absence of legal limits on enrichment levels, the Director General has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran’s enrichment activities without acknowledging the aggressions faced by Iran that complicate verification efforts. The continuation of verification under current conditions necessitates the establishment of new safeguards arrangements, which are currently in negotiation.

The IAEA is expected to approach these discussions with a focus on fairness and professionalism, avoiding the misrepresentation of ongoing negotiations. Addressing Iran’s legitimate concerns and recognizing the context of recent military actions will be pivotal in moving forward.

In summary, the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remains complex, with significant implications for international peace and security. The ongoing dialogue between Iran and the IAEA will be crucial in determining the future of nuclear safeguards and regional stability.

MNA