Iran Calls for IAEA Clarification on Attacks Against Nuclear Facilities
Keywords: Iran nuclear program, IAEA, Mohammad Eslami, Rafael Grossi, Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, nuclear inspections, nuclear security, international atomic energy agency
Iran is demanding that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) clarify its stance regarding attacks on Iranian nuclear installations, especially concerning the framework for inspecting damaged sites. The call comes amid ongoing concerns over the security and integrity of Iran’s nuclear program and the potential environmental and safety hazards resulting from military strikes.
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Institution of Iran (AEOI), emphasized in an interview with IRNA that the IAEA must address the issue of aggression against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He stated that any inspection of sites that have been attacked necessitates a specifically defined protocol, acknowledging the inherent risks associated with examining facilities impacted by military action.
Currently, IAEA inspections have been limited to Iran’s 13 declared nuclear facilities that were not directly targeted in recent attacks. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, speaking to Reuters at the world Economic Forum in Davos, confirmed that access to three sites – Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan – which were bombed in June, remains blocked. Eslami further confirmed that no IAEA inspectors are currently present in Iran.
Eslami highlighted the necessity of accounting for environmental hazards and technical complexities that arise following a military attack. He argued that a tailored inspection protocol is crucial to ensure the safety and accuracy of any assessment conducted at the damaged sites.
iran previously proposed a principle at the IAEA General Conference advocating for the protection of nuclear facilities from attack.Though, this proposal was not reviewed by the agency. Eslami believes that grossi shoudl first clarify the IAEA’s position on attacks against nuclear facilities and outline a clear procedure for accessing and inspecting damaged locations.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between international oversight and national security concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, and the need for a clear and thorough approach to ensure its peaceful request.