Tehran: Spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz Kamalvandi, has emphasized the critical need to protect information regarding Iranian nuclear sites, including those that have been damaged. He highlighted the risk of further attacks and criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for not adequately safeguarding such information.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Kamalvandi stated, "If we do not allow them to visit damaged sites, it is very natural. It is because of war and security issues." He accused the United States and Israel of seeking access to this information to facilitate further acts of aggression, underscoring the importance of information protection under such conditions.

Kamalvandi, present in Vienna for the IAEA General Conference, criticized the agency for its inability to protect information about Iran's nuclear sites. He remarked, "The Agency has acknowledged that it cannot protect the information. That is why we said that if you cannot protect it, we should not provide you with all the information either."

The Iranian official also criticized IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for adopting a political stance on Iran's nuclear program, suggesting that his approach could result in increased pressure on Tehran. Kamalvandi pointed out that Grossi's conduct leaned more towards political maneuvering than professional work, thereby decreasing trust in his leadership.

Kamalvandi expressed concerns that the IAEA's reports, along with Grossi's statements and interviews, serve as tools for political pressure by European countries, the United States, and particularly Israel. This, he noted, is why Iran has consistently protested against Grossi's conduct and accused him of aligning the Agency with the interests of the Israeli regime and the United States.

The IAEA Board of Governors recently adopted a resolution that would refer Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council. This resolution, drafted by the United States and the E3 countries of Britain, France, and Germany, was seen by Kamalvandi as a political maneuver by Washington after failing to achieve its aims through military and economic means.

Additionally, Kamalvandi addressed the issue of Mohammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, being barred from attending the IAEA General Conference in Austria. He accused Austria of succumbing to US pressure, despite Eslami having a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. Kamalvandi rejected Austria's justification for the ban, pointing out that the anti-Iran resolutions cited had expired and emphasizing that the host country is obliged to facilitate participation in such international events.