Vienna: Iran has been elected as one of the eight vice-presidents of the annual General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, with the support of the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) group.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Peter Burian, Slovakia’s Resident Representative to the IAEA, who is the President of the 69th General Conference, announced the appointment of Iran alongside Argentina, France, Ivory Coast, Mongolia, New Zealand, Poland, and the United States as vice-chairs of the conference. The conference began on Monday in Vienna.

The US representative expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s introduction by the MESA group, reiterating political claims about Tehran’s nuclear program and labeling the appointment as ‘inappropriate.’

Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA and permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, expressed gratitude to member states, including the MESA group, for their trust in Iran. Najafi rejected the US’s accusations, stating that the decision followed established procedures and emphasized respecting the choices of regional groups. He added that decisions at the IAEA are made based on majority votes, and no single country can prevent them.

Najafi also addressed the recent anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, asserting that the document lacks legal basis and was approved by a narrow majority.

The 69th General Conference of the IAEA, which commenced on Monday, includes high-ranking representatives from member states and will continue until Friday. The conference aims to discuss various issues related to the Agency’s activities and budget.

Each annual session of the General Conference begins with the election of a President following consultations among member states. The President then proposes the names of eight Vice-Presidents to the General Conference, who serve until the session concludes.