UN Chief and IAEA Director-General Urge Access to Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Amid Rising Tensions

(The Post News)- The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Antonio Guterres and Rafael Grossi, are asking for full access to Iran’s nuclear facilities. They want to verify the status of Iran’s uranium stockpiles, which is a major point of contention amid rising tensions between the United States-backed Israel and Iran.

Guterres and Grossi addressed the emergency session of the UN Security yesterday after it was reported that the U.S. had attacked Iran. Both leaders emphasised the need for ongoing diplomacy and negotiations. Grossi specifically called for allowing IAEA inspectors in Iran to do their work without restrictions, which requires a halt to hostilities so they can investigate and verify facts.

He says IAEA inspectors, who oversee nuclear non-proliferation, should be allowed to return to Iran’s nuclear sites to verify uranium stockpiles, particularly the 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. Grossi further says establishing facts on the ground through IAEA inspections is a necessary step before any agreement can be made. Currently, IAEA inspectors are in Iran and need to be able to do their work.

He added that attacks on nuclear facilities pose significant risks, including radioactive leaks that can have far-reaching consequences. As such, Grossi urged maximum restraint, as military escalation endangers lives and hinders long-term diplomatic solutions, particularly ensuring Iran doesn’t develop nuclear weapons.

Nonetheless, yesterday the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting after the US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Many countries criticised the attack, calling for a ceasefire, while the US and Israel supported it. Amongst other countries that calls for ceasefire is Russia, China and Pakistan.

According to Aljazeera, a proposal has been made that criticises the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, without directly mentioning the US or Israel. A vote on the proposal has not been scheduled yet. To pass, the resolution needs 9 votes and no vetoes from the 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, and US). Given the US involvement in the attacks, it’s unlikely to pass since the US would likely veto it.