Iran raises objections to US seat on IAEA Board of Governors

Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Reza Najafi, renewed Tehran’s objection to the United States being nominated for membership in the IAEA Board of Governors.

Speaking at the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Najafi argued that US membership in the Board of Governors would be inconsistent with legal principles, international obligations and the agency’s Statute, according to Iranian media.

The Iranian representative also accused the United States of aggressive actions against Iran in 2025 and 2026 and referred to attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as violations of the principles of the UN, international law and the IAEA Statute.

Referring to Article XIX.B of the IAEA Statute, Najafi questioned whether a country with such a record could be considered capable of fulfilling its obligations and called for the provision on suspension of membership to be taken into account.

Iran ultimately rejected the US nomination, arguing that its membership on the Board of Governors would create a conflict of interest, undermine the IAEA’s impartiality and weaken confidence in the agency.

By Jeyhun Aghazada