In a strong display of international unity, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have condemned the “threats” made against the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The condemnation comes after Iran rejected the IAEA’s request to visit nuclear facilities that were recently targeted by airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States.
The three European powers, known as the E3, issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern over the hostile actions directed at Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the IAEA. The statement emphasized the importance of the IAEA’s work in monitoring and verifying the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
“We strongly condemn the threats made against the Director-General of the IAEA,” the E3 statement read. “The IAEA and its Director-General play a vital role in monitoring and verifying Iran’s nuclear program. Attempts to undermine their work are unacceptable and must cease immediately.”
The statement came in response to Iran’s rejection of Grossi’s request to visit the Karaj nuclear facility, which was the target of an alleged Israeli drone attack in June 2021. Iran has accused the IAEA of sharing sensitive information about the facility with Israel, leading to the attack.
The E3 nations expressed their unwavering support for the IAEA and its leadership, calling for Iran to cooperate fully with the agency and allow its inspectors access to all relevant nuclear sites. They also reiterated their commitment to the JCPOA and the importance of maintaining the agreement’s implementation.
The condemnation by the E3 is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the international community over the country’s nuclear program. The IAEA has been at the forefront of efforts to monitor and verify Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA, which has faced significant challenges since the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement in 2018.
Experts have warned that the escalating tensions and the potential collapse of the JCPOA could have serious implications for regional and global security. The E3’s strong statement in support of the IAEA and its Director-General is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
