Iran protests US membership in IAEA Board of Governors

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking at the annual conference in Vienna under the agenda item "Election of Members to the Board of Governors," Iranian envoy Reza Najafi renewed Tehran’s formal protest against designating the United States for a seat on the Board.

The Iranian delegation stressed that its objection is not merely procedural, but touches upon fundamental legal principles, accountability, and the Agency's credibility. Citing the IAEA Statute, Najafi stated that no state should be selected for Board membership solely on the basis of advancements in nuclear technology, describing such an interpretation as a distortion of Article VI.A.1.

Invoking various provisions of the Statute, including Articles III.B.1, IV.B, and IV.C, the statement underscored that member states must adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, promote peace, and fulfill their obligations in good faith, arguing that criteria for Board membership cannot be restricted to technological capabilities alone.

Najafi also pointed to developments in 2025 and 2026, accusing Washington of aggressive actions against Iran and flagrant violations of fundamental principles of international law, which included widespread attacks and war crimes.

The statement further highlighted strikes carried out against Iran’s nuclear facilities, characterizing them as violations of UN principles, international law, and the IAEA Statute. Questioning whether a state with such a track record could be considered compliant with its obligations, the Iranian envoy called attention to Article XIX.B regarding the suspension of membership privileges.

Iran emphasized that US membership in the Board of Governors creates an inherent conflict of interest, erodes impartiality, and undermines confidence in the Agency. Consequently, Tehran rejected the designation and formally disassociated itself from the decision.

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