WANA (Sep 07) – Iran said at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors meeting that US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities had not only violated the UN Charter but also undermined the IAEA’s legal framework and fundamental nuclear safety principles.

 

In a statement delivered on Monday during the Board’s quarterly meeting in Vienna under the agenda item of “Nuclear and Radiation Safety,” the Iranian delegation referred to US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2025 and 2026, saying the strikes had simultaneously targeted the UN Charter, the IAEA Statute and fundamental nuclear safety rules.

 

Warning Against Normalizing Attacks on Nuclear Facilities

Referring to previous concerns raised by the IAEA General Conference over the radiological safety consequences of attacks on nuclear facilities, Iran described the strikes as irresponsible and warned about the potential consequences of normalizing such actions.

 

The Iranian delegation said normalizing attacks against nuclear facilities could have consequences extending beyond Iran and could create a precedent for similar actions against other countries.

 

It also urged the Board of Governors to take into account the risks posed when nuclear facilities are exposed to military threats and armed conflicts.

 

Iran Calls for Lifting Unilateral Restrictions

Iran also called for the removal of unilateral sanctions and restrictions that it said hinder international cooperation on nuclear safety.

 

The Iranian delegation stressed that improving nuclear safety, particularly in developing countries, depends on international cooperation, access to technical expertise, and the availability of necessary equipment and infrastructure.

 

It called on the IAEA to support non-discriminatory access by all member states to the materials, equipment and technologies required to strengthen nuclear safety.

 

Iran further warned that unilateral sanctions and restrictions could leave populations and the environment in affected countries more vulnerable to potential nuclear and radiological incidents.

 

Iran Says Nuclear Safety System Remained Operational

The Iranian delegation also highlighted the country’s nuclear safety infrastructure and regulatory system, saying they had continued operating during the recent attacks.

 

According to the statement, Iran’s nuclear safety infrastructure and regulatory framework, together with its emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, remained operational during what Tehran described as “extensive and unprecedented attacks.”

 

Iran also stressed the need to maintain a clear distinction between nuclear safety and nuclear security, arguing that the two concepts have different legal foundations, characteristics and objectives. It called on the IAEA to uphold this distinction throughout its activities.

 

Iran Invites Persian Gulf States to Visit Bushehr Plant

Addressing concerns raised over the safety of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran said the facility meets the required safety standards.

 

The Iranian delegation also renewed its invitation to all Persian Gulf littoral states to visit the Bushehr nuclear power plant and assess its safety conditions firsthand, saying such visits could help address any concerns over the facility and the potential consequences of recent attacks.