Iran Slams IAEA “Political Bias,” Vows to Defend Nuclear Program
Tehran says the Agency’s failure to condemn attacks on nuclear facilities proves the case for a new safeguards framework.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for what he described as its politicized and selective handling of Iran’s nuclear file, especially following the recent Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Speaking to IRNA, Kamalvandi said Iran remains open to cooperation but emphasized that the IAEA’s behavior has “complicated the situation” instead of facilitating technical engagement.
“We are facing a complex situation. Iran is cooperating with the Agency, yet the IAEA has not condemned the attack on Iran,” he said. “Even Europe and the United States made no reference to the aggression against our facilities in the latest resolution.”
Kamalvandi added that the core issue is the Agency’s abandonment of professional standards: “The fundamental problem is that the Agency is pursuing an entirely political approach instead of acting in a professional and technical manner.”
Safeguards Not Designed for Wartime Attacks
Kamalvandi stressed that the IAEA’s current safeguards model is inadequate for the security challenges created by US–Israeli aggression, noting that the agreement must be reconsidered.
“The Safeguards Agreement was not designed for wartime conditions and does not meet the requirements created by the US–Israeli aggression against Iran. It therefore needs to be revised,” he said.
He stated that Iran is prepared to reach an appropriate framework to ensure its program remains peaceful while protecting national security. Kamalvandi reaffirmed that Iran’s strength, strategic location, resources, and human capital prevent adversaries from weakening the country.
“Iran will continue moving forward with strength despite mounting pressure and will not allow its power, particularly its nuclear capability, to be weakened,” he said, calling defense of this capability a shared responsibility of the government and the people.
From Cooperation to Confrontation
Tensions escalated drastically after Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 13, 2025, followed by US strikes on June 22. Iranian officials accused the IAEA of failing to condemn the attacks and of sharing sensitive facility data with the aggressor states.
Iran’s Parliament responded with emergency legislation to suspend cooperation with the Agency. By July, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a decree ending active collaboration, and all IAEA inspectors were ordered to leave Iran.
A short-lived diplomatic opening emerged in September through the Cairo Agreement, mediated by Egypt, which restored limited inspections. Crucially, inspections were restricted to those approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
IAEA Board Resolution Rekindles Hostilities
The fragile arrangement collapsed after the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution on November 19–20 demanding immediate access to bombed sites and further explanations on enriched uranium.
The resolution passed with 19 votes in favor, 3 against (Russia, China, Niger), and 12 abstentions.
Tehran condemned the move as “politically motivated,” accusing the Agency of ignoring Iran’s continued cooperation and refusing to acknowledge the criminal aggression committed by the United States and Israel.
As a result, Iran formally informed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi that the Cairo Agreement was no longer in force.
Iran Reaffirms Peaceful Program Under National Control
Despite the renewed tensions, Iranian officials—including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami—affirmed that Iran’s nuclear activities remain peaceful and continue within the NPT framework, though under a more restrictive and nationally controlled inspection regime.
Tehran maintains that cooperation will continue only under conditions that protect its sovereignty, security, and the integrity of its nuclear infrastructure—especially after the US-backed Israeli attacks on its facilities. (PW)