Vienna: Iran’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Reza Najafi, has raised concerns that member states are facing political pressure to avoid supporting Tehran’s proposed resolution aimed at prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Najafi, speaking on Tuesday, outlined Iran’s draft resolution designed to prevent armed attacks on nuclear facilities. He discussed the resolution’s objectives, the process behind it, and the challenges it encounters. Najafi emphasized the fundamental nature of this issue, noting that it has been historically recognized by the IAEA and discussed during review conferences of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). However, he pointed out that political pressures have obstructed broader support for Iran’s initiative.
The ambassador warned of the catastrophic environmental damage and serious public health risks that could result from attacks on nuclear facilities, especially those housing nuclear materials. He stressed the urgent need for countries to support the resolution. Najafi mentioned that the draft resolution is expected to be put to a vote either on Thursday or Friday. Despite Iran’s diplomatic outreach in various capitals and in Tehran, he acknowledged that US pressure might influence the positions of certain countries, leaving the final outcome uncertain until the vote.
Najafi highlighted the importance of the resolution, stating that the prohibition against attacking nuclear facilities is a fundamental principle of international law. This principle is enshrined in key documents, including the UN Charter, the IAEA Statute, and the NPT. Even if the resolution is not adopted, it still holds considerable significance, he added.
On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, in a message on his X account, emphasized Iran’s initiative, which is supported by China, Nicaragua, Russia, Venezuela, and Belarus, to safeguard the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He noted that the draft resolution underscores that all nations have an ‘inalienable right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes’ and are entitled to ‘effective guarantees against any attack or threat of attack.’
The 69th IAEA General Conference, which commenced on Monday in Vienna and will conclude on Friday, serves as a major annual event where member states discuss various issues related to the Agency’s activities and budget. The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, is leading the Iranian delegation at the conference, which has submitted Tehran’s draft resolution on the inadmissibility of attacks against nuclear facilities.