WANA (Sep 15) –Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told reporters on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities constitute a blatant violation of international law, stressing that “the Iranian nation is neither intimidatable nor submissive.”

 

Eslami criticized what he described as the IAEA’s inaction in condemning the assaults, warning that such silence represents “the triumph of brute force over international law” and undermines both the UN Charter and the IAEA Statute.

 

He also revealed that the United States had sent a threatening letter to the Agency, warning it would withhold funding if Iran’s proposed resolution—condemning attacks on nuclear infrastructure—were placed on the agenda. Eslami denounced the move as “a clear case of political pressure” and urged member states to resist it.

New mural at Tehran’s Enghelab Square: Iran’s next-generation centrifuges and nuclear capabilities, accompanied by the slogan “Knowledge is Power.” 27th Aug 2025. Social Media / WANA News Agency

New mural at Tehran’s Enghelab Square: Iran’s next-generation centrifuges and nuclear capabilities, accompanied by the slogan “Knowledge is Power.” 27th Aug 2025. Social Media / WANA News Agency

The Iranian official further accused three European countries of failing to meet their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, saying they had no grounds to act as claimants. He stressed that under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran’s nuclear file must be formally closed on October 18, 2025, and that any attempt to trigger the so-called “snapback” mechanism would be both unlawful and illegitimate.

 

On future cooperation with the IAEA, Eslami reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its obligations under the NPT and the Agency’s statute but called for a new framework for inspections under heightened security conditions. He said such a framework should ensure transparency while also protecting the safety of Iranian facilities, scientists, and staff.

 

Earlier in his formal address to the IAEA General Conference, Eslami had already condemned the attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and urged delegates to support Tehran’s draft resolution.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), press conference in Vienna on June 09, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Also in his opening remarks to the IAEA General Conference, Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the Agency had signed an agreement with Iran outlining the technical steps required to resume essential safeguards activities.

 

Grossi said the document provides “a clear understanding of inspection procedures, notifications and implementation” while taking into account Iran’s stated concerns. He added that the return of inspectors and the full resumption of safeguards would be a positive signal, stressing that “nothing can replace dialogue in finding lasting solutions to international challenges.