Iran says no framework exists for inspecting attacked nuclear sites

Iran has stated that there is currently no defined framework for inspecting nuclear sites that have come under attack, amid ongoing discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

At a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s Permanent Mission in Vienna continues to engage with IAEA officials within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement, and remains fully aware of its obligations, Mehr News Agency reports.

He highlighted that Iran’s primary demand from the IAEA Director General and the Board of Governors is the clear condemnation of “the criminal act against the country’s peaceful nuclear facilities” and holding those responsible accountable.

Baghaei explained the challenges in monitoring sites that have been attacked, stating: “In the field of monitoring, inspections of undamaged facilities have been carried out in accordance with previous understandings; however, regarding damaged facilities, due to the absence of precedent and the lack of technical guidelines for inspecting sites that have come under attack, no defined framework currently exists.”

He further urged the agency to take a stronger stance, saying: “Instead of remaining silent, the Agency must oblige the opposing parties to fulfill their commitments and prevent the perpetrators from boasting about these illegal actions.”

By Vafa Guliyeva