Iran Criticizes IAEA Chief for Undermining Non-Proliferation Regime and Enabling Israeli Aggression
On Thursday, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, sharply criticized Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations nuclear agency, accusing him of undermining the non-proliferation regime.
Baghaei issued a statement accusing the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency of transforming the UN agency into an “accomplice” in what he described as an unjust and invasive conflict.
Grossi has faced criticism for facilitating what some describe as the Israeli regime’s unprovoked and unjust aggression against the Islamic Republic. Since Friday, the situation has resulted in the assassination of several high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
In the days leading up to the commencement of hostilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published a report alleging Iran’s “non-compliance,” which was perceived as politically motivated. Subsequently, a resolution against Iran was adopted at the IAEA board of governors meeting in Vienna, driven by efforts from the European trio.
Experts suggest that the report and its ensuing resolution paved the way for intensified Israeli military actions merely two days prior to the sixth round of indirect nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States, scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Baghaei criticized the UN nuclear agency chief, accusing him of propagating “misleading narratives” which he claims have harmful repercussions. Baghaei asserted that the agency chief must be held accountable for these actions.
The spokesperson emphasized that the agency has been transformed into an instrument serving the interests of certain parties not committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, enabling them to infringe upon the rights enjoyed by committed parties under Article 4 of the treaty.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif criticized Grossi on the platform X, condemning what he described as the “irresponsible and fallacious” report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Zarif asserted that the report had inflicted “irreparable damage” to the agency’s credibility.
“He should be held responsible for his involvement in the deaths of civilians in Iran, allegedly triggered by Israeli actions using his report as justification.”
Recently obtained documents by Iranian intelligence agencies suggest that Grossi has engaged in clandestine communications with officials from the Israeli regime, despite Israel not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
