Vienna: The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to international organizations in Vienna highlighted a significant development in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference. Despite opposition from the United States, Iran's membership in the General Committee of the IAEA conference was approved, marking another political setback for the U.S. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Reza Najafi, speaking to reporters, detailed the function of the General Committee, which is responsible for reviewing the agenda, session schedules, and credentials. Iran had been nominated for membership by the MESA group, a geographical coalition, and was expected to be approved. However, the United States opposed Iran's membership, leading to a vote. Najafi explained that the matter was put to a secret ballot following support from several countries for Iran's position. The vote resulted in the confirmation of Iran's membership in the General Committee. The ambassador descri bed this outcome as a political defeat for the United States, which had also attempted to prevent Mr. Eslami, Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, from attending the conference by pressuring the host country.