WANA (Sep 18) – Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said the full resumption of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will only be possible if “special measures” are taken in the wake of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

 

In a written interview with a Japanese outlet, Eslami stressed that the security situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program is unprecedented. “This is the first time in history that safeguarded nuclear facilities have come under military attack. Before inspections return to normal, special measures must be adopted,” he said.

 

Eslami described the current atmosphere as “similar to wartime conditions” due to the threat of further Israeli strikes. He underlined that trust between Iran and the IAEA must be rebuilt, adding, “No country would place international oversight above its sovereignty and national security.”

 

Referring to the June 13 Israeli strikes that killed Iranian military commanders and dozens of nuclear scientists, as well as U.S. bombings of the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, Eslami noted that Iran’s parliament responded by suspending cooperation with the IAEA, effectively halting monitoring activities.

 

He said that after several rounds of negotiations, Iran and the IAEA reached an agreement on September 9 to establish new safeguard mechanisms under what he called “post-war conditions.”

 

Eslami confirmed that Iran has since resumed limited domestic inspections, including at the Bushehr nuclear plant, but parliament remains concerned about “information leaks” that could expose vulnerabilities.

 

Criticizing Western policies, Eslami accused the U.S. and its allies of politicizing the IAEA. He claimed Washington even threatened to cut the agency’s budget if members backed a resolution condemning Israel.

 

Eslami called the IAEA’s failure to denounce U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities “an unforgivable mistake,” adding, “This will be recorded in history. At the very least, Mr. Grossi [IAEA Director General] should acknowledge the problems these attacks have created for nuclear safety and safeguards.”

 

Reaffirming Iran’s position, the AEOI chief stressed that the country’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) must be respected. “Inspection obligations only make sense when accompanied by respect for rights,” he concluded.

WANA - Arak nuclear facility after U.S. strike

The Arak nuclear facility after the U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency