Iran has issued a stark warning, signaling it would take “immediate retaliatory actions” should the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) move forward with an anticipated vote on a European Union-led resolution against the country.
The vote is set to take place at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting next week, in which the UN nuclear watchdog will deliberate on concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran’s atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, made the announcement on Thursday, underscoring the country’s firm stance against any perceived external interference in its nuclear program.
Eslami’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which have long been a contentious issue. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, aimed at generating energy and conducting research. However, Western countries, particularly those within the EU, have expressed concern over Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons, which could destabilize the already fragile security landscape in the Middle East.
The EU-led resolution reportedly aims to address Iran’s lack of transparency and cooperation with the IAEA in recent months, with particular emphasis on the agency’s inability to verify aspects of Iran’s nuclear program. The IAEA has repeatedly called for more access and information regarding certain sites and nuclear materials within Iran. Tehran, however, views the resolution as an attempt to pressure and undermine its sovereignty, with Eslami warning that such moves could lead to immediate and unspecified actions in response.