Iran Statement at IAEA BoG: Agenda item 5

Statement by the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the IAEA Board of Governors - Agenda Item 5: “Strengthening the Agency’s activities related to Nuclear Science Technology and Applications” (Vienna 8 September 2026)

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Mr. Chair,

The Statute mandated the Agency to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity, and to facilitate access by Member States to technical, scientific and technological assistance. Accordingly, technical assistance, the transfer of knowledge and technology, and capacity-building constitute core elements of the Agency’s Statutory responsibilities. They shall be provided without any discrimination and free from political considerations.

Nevertheless, unilateral sanctions and other restrictive measures have systematically impeded realization of these objectives. For decades, such unlawful measures constrained Iran’s ability to fully benefit from technical assistance, the transfer of knowledge and technology, and capacity-building.

Such measures run counter to the inalienable right of States for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Moreover, they contravene the obligations of developed States Parties to the NPT “to cooperate in contributing”, and “to the further development of the applications of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, especially in the territories of non-nuclear-weapon States Party to the Treaty, with due consideration for the needs of the developing areas of the world.”

In discharging its responsibilities, the Agency is expected to seriously consider and duly address the impact of such restrictive measures on Member States. The policy making organs of the Agency must call for the termination of such sanctions and restrictions.

 

Distinguished Delegates

The achievements of Iran in nuclear science and technology are the result of sustained investment, accumulated knowledge, specialized human resources, and the development of indigenous equipment and infrastructure. They led to creating a mature and sustainable scientific and technological capacity that meets a significant share of the country’s needs.

Iranian nuclear technology is widely applied in agriculture, environmental protection, crop improvement, pest and disease control, food preservation, and efficient use of water and fertilizers. In medicine and industry, Iran developed capabilities in production and application of radioisotopes, irradiation and sterilization, and use of radiation-based technologies. These activities are supported by capabilities in radiation protection, monitoring, measurement, and detection.

The aggressions in 2025 and 2026 might have damaged our peaceful nuclear facilities. They might have also affected our access to nuclear technology in some vital areas. But Iran’s nuclear capabilities are rooted in knowledge, determination, and human resources of a proud nation. Iran’s capabilities are not confined to buildings or machines.

Facilities may be attacked and scientists may be assassinated, but once science takes root in the people, it survives, promotes and passes from one generation to the next. This is the reality of Iran—and no amount of force can change it.

Finally, I must express our serious disappointment that the report of the Secretariate contains neither a single reference to impacts of unilateral coercive measures nor the recent aggressions on the nuclear science and technology. Accordingly, the Secretariate is expected to take corrective measures before submitting the report to the General Conference.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.