TEHRAN: Iran has escalated its confrontation with the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog, accusing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of compromising the agency’s neutrality and damaging its credibility. The strong remarks reflect growing friction between Tehran and the international body tasked with monitoring nuclear activities, as disputes over Iran’s atomic programme continue to intensify.
The criticism was voiced by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei during a weekly press conference, where he questioned the impartiality of the agency’s leadership and warned of the consequences of what Tehran described as a politically driven approach.
Baghaei accused Grossi of showing “deliberate bias” against Iran, arguing that his handling of issues related to Tehran’s nuclear programme has raised concerns about the agency’s objectivity. According to the spokesperson, the conduct of the IAEA chief risks weakening trust in the organisation at a time when its role as an independent verification authority remains under close international scrutiny.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also suggested that the Director General’s position on developments involving Iran could have lasting implications for the standing of the watchdog. Tehran maintained that the agency’s effectiveness depends on strict adherence to neutrality and professional oversight, principles it believes are being undermined.
The latest exchange comes as Iran faces increasing attention over its nuclear activities and as geopolitical tensions across West Asia remain elevated. The diplomatic row adds another challenge to an already fragile environment marked by security concerns and competing international interests.
With both sides locked in an increasingly public dispute, the controversy is likely to keep the spotlight on the future of international monitoring efforts and the broader debate surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
Agencies
Iran questions UN watchdog’s neutrality, accuses IAEA chief of ‘deliberate bias’
