WANA (Sep 16) – The Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran emphasized during the IAEA General Conference that Iran’s voluntary actions under the JCPOA were in exchange for the lifting of unjust sanctions. He stated that the JCPOA should not be implemented at the expense of just one member.

 

Mohammad Eslami, Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, spoke at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters, outlining the country’s stance and Iran’s peaceful nuclear programs.

 

The full text of Eslami’s speech at the 68th IAEA General Conference is as follows:

 

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

 

Mr. President,

Mr. Director-General,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

First, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the president of this important gathering. I also express my pleasure in participating in the 68th IAEA General Conference and assure you of my delegation’s support and cooperation.

 

I would also like to announce that the new Iranian government, under the esteemed leadership of President Dr. Pezeshkian, is ready to expand constructive interactions and foster international cooperation.

 

Dear Colleagues,
At present, the world is facing serious and concerning challenges, including the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime in Palestine.

 

This regime, in the Gaza war, has killed more than 41,000 people, most of whom are innocent women and children, and has wounded and disabled over 100,000 people. It continues its heinous crimes and genocide with the support of the U.S. and certain other countries.

 

We cannot overlook the ongoing genocide of innocent people whose lands have been seized, in blatant violation of numerous UN resolutions, with full support from some countries. The entire UN system is being continuously challenged due to the inaction of its institutions responsible for maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, we must hold those who claim to represent the international community accountable. This regime, through assassinations of Iranian scientists and acts of sabotage and terrorism, leads a massive disinformation campaign against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. It seeks to divert public attention from its own crimes by spreading falsehoods about Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities.

 

Distinguished Guests,
Nuclear disarmament remains a top priority for the international community. Nuclear-armed states must adhere to their commitments under Article 6 of the NPT. Now, more than ever, the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East is crucial. In the past year alone, officials of the child-killing Zionist regime have repeatedly threatened the great nation of Iran and the oppressed people of Gaza with their nuclear weapons.

This regime’s refusal to join the NPT and its failure to place its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards pose a threat to international peace and security.

 

Dear Colleagues,
I would now like to address one of the world’s most pressing challenges: climate change and global warming. Global challenges require global solutions; in this context, the transfer of modern technology and equipment, especially to developing countries, without discrimination is essential. In this regard, the use of clean energy, particularly nuclear energy as a base-load source, plays a vital role.

 

The IAEA, in accordance with its Statute, is obligated to facilitate and support access to necessary technology and equipment for all member states without discrimination. The Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with its Comprehensive Strategic Document for the Development of the Nuclear Industry for the 20-Year Outlook, is determined to increase the share of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix to 20,000 megawatts by 2040.

 

Dear Colleagues,
I take this opportunity to inform you that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The 30th National Nuclear Conference and the 1st International Nuclear Conference of Iran were held in May 2024 in the beautiful and historic city of Isfahan, with the presence of the esteemed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and his accompanying delegation.

 

Participants from various countries witnessed Iran’s advancements in peaceful nuclear energy during this event. These achievements have been made despite the harshest and most unjust unilateral sanctions imposed on our country.

 

Some of these achievements are being showcased at the side event and exhibition of this conference, and I hereby declare that we are ready to cooperate with other countries in this field.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the IAEA continues in good faith and on a broad scale. The number of IAEA-appointed inspectors in Iran is unparalleled. While Iran’s nuclear facilities represent only 3% of all nuclear facilities worldwide, more than one-fifth of the IAEA’s total inspections in 2023 were conducted in Iran.

 

The exercise of Iran’s inherent and sovereign rights regarding the termination of the appointment of IAEA inspectors was carried out under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Any insistence or pressure on Iran in this regard amounts to disregarding the sovereign rights of countries and could set an unjustifiable precedent, which is unacceptable.

 

Furthermore, I emphasize that Iran’s voluntary JCPOA measures were in exchange for the lifting of unjust sanctions. What is being pursued today through political and psychological pressure is an attempt to force Iran into implementing JCPOA measures without considering the corresponding commitments regarding the lifting of sanctions. The JCPOA should not be implemented at the expense of only one member.

 

The IAEA’s verification and monitoring activities regarding non-nuclear items are only foreseen within the JCPOA framework. Following the illegal and unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. and the failure of the three European governments and the EU to meet their commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on its rights under Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA and the Strategic Action Plan of the Iranian Parliament, has halted the implementation of measures beyond the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

 

This conference is being held while we are witnessing serious crises on the international stage. The IAEA must, in accordance with its Statute, play a role in reducing tensions and fostering cooperation to improve the quality of life for all people around the world.

 

We expect member states to act with maximum goodwill and responsibility. Iran is ready to engage with all member states to achieve these noble goals.

 

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Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, at the opening of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, spoke about relations with Iran, stating that “in the field of non-proliferation, which is of great importance, we need to continue our efforts. I welcome the opportunity to engage with the new president and government of Iran, and I look forward to continuing our essential efforts to provide reliable guarantees to the international community that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.”

 

He added, “There are challenges ahead, but they are not insurmountable, and I emphasize my commitment to continuing these efforts.”

 

The 68th Annual IAEA General Conference commenced this morning with the participation of its members in Vienna, Austria.