WANA (Feb 20) – The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has issued a statement in response to recent remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in which he claimed that Iran must prove it is not seeking nuclear weapons.

 

The statement emphasized that as the head of a major international organization, Grossi is expected to act impartially, professionally, and without political bias. However, the AEOI criticized some of his recent comments, suggesting that they undermine the credibility of the IAEA by deviating from neutrality and professionalism.

 

The organization warned that at a time when the United States and certain Western countries are attempting to misuse the IAEA for politically motivated pressure on Iran, such unprofessional and politically charged statements could serve as a pretext for their unjust demands.

 

The AEOI also pointed to Grossi’s recent remarks during a press conference in Japan as an example of unprofessional behavior, noting that his call for Iran to “prove” it is not seeking nuclear weapons contradicts fundamental legal principles. “It is a basic legal principle that the burden of proof lies with the accuser,” the statement said.

 

Furthermore, the AEOI highlighted that approximately one-fourth of all IAEA inspections worldwide are conducted in Iran, despite the country’s nuclear facilities accounting for less than three percent of global nuclear sites.

 

Iran reiterated its stance that its nuclear program remains entirely peaceful. The statement concluded by calling on Grossi to refrain from making politically motivated remarks that undermine his position and the agency’s credibility.