WANA (Sep 16) – Iran’s representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that a draft resolution prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities — a measure with precedent in the agency’s history — is being advanced with broad support from member states, though under heavy U.S. political pressure. A vote is expected on Thursday or Friday.

 

Reza Najafi, Iran’s permanent representative to the UN in Vienna, said Iran began consultations with countries immediately after drafting the resolution.

 

“The resolution we presented has historical precedent at the IAEA. Similar resolutions have been introduced and adopted in the past,” he noted, citing UN Security Council Resolution 487, which condemned Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor.

 

He stressed that the principle of banning such attacks has also been endorsed in NPT review conferences, including Action 64 of the 2010 consensus document.

 

Najafi added that while most countries support the draft, some have refrained from co-sponsoring it due to political pressures. He said Iran’s ambassadors worldwide have been lobbying foreign ministries for backing, while Tehran has also held meetings with diplomats to gather support.

 

“Ultimately, the vote will show how far the U.S. can go in pressuring states to change their stance,” Najafi said. “We hope the resolution will pass. But even if it doesn’t, the principle remains clear: attacks on nuclear facilities are contrary to the UN Charter, the IAEA Statute, and the NPT.”

 

He stressed that the IAEA Director General himself has acknowledged in statements — though “not strongly enough” — that such attacks must not occur, warning that they pose grave environmental and proliferation risks.

 

Najafi also pointed to broader global imbalances, saying international institutions were designed after World War II in a way that concentrated power in the hands of a few states with “exceptional rights.” He added, “If this resolution is not adopted, it will not be surprising. Still, we continue working to secure its passage.”

 

Highlighting Iran’s recent election as Vice President of the IAEA General Conference, Najafi underscored the significance of the role, both politically and symbolically: “Out of 180 countries, only nine form the bureau. This demonstrates that these countries carry weight and political importance.”