Tehran: Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) for applying double standards regarding attacks on nuclear facilities, comparing the agency’s response to the Zaporizhzhia plant during the Ukraine war with its silence over Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in an interview with RT’s Rick Sanchez, Jalali expressed his concerns, stating, ‘When attacks were made on Iranian nuclear facilities, the first body that should have asked why [such an attack was carried out] was the I.A.E.A. itself. But they didn’t.’ He pointed out the agency’s prompt intervention when tensions arose around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, highlighting the lack of similar action when Iran was targeted.

Jalali further questioned the I.A.E.A.’s impartiality by noting the inconsistency in its approach to nuclear sites belonging to members of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.). He remarked on the apparent contradiction of the U.S., an N.P.T. member, coordinating with Israel, a non-N.P.T. entity, to attack another N.P.T. member, Iran.

The ambassador urged international organizations to uphold their responsibilities and ensure all countries are treated equally under international law. He emphasized the importance of cooperation based on rules and principles that respect Iran’s rights, warning that double standards undermine trust.

Jalali also described the Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a violation of international law and criticized global bodies for their inadequate response. The attacks, which included targeted strikes and air raids resulting in civilian casualties, were halted following a ceasefire request by the Tel Aviv regime after Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes.