Iran statement at IAEA BoG: Agenda item 10

Statement by Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Before the Board of Governors of the IAEA Under Agenda Item 10: “Any other Business” (Vienna 11 September 2026)

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. Chair,

Under this agenda item, I will raise four issues:

First: New European Nuclear Partnership Led by France

We are deeply concerned by this initiative, including the Franco-German nuclear deterrence arrangement. It is not merely a European matter. It relates to international peace and security and operation of the NPT.

The NPT grants no right to nuclear-weapon States to possess nuclear weapons, temporarily or permanently. Its objective is their total elimination.

Article VI imposes a binding obligation to pursue negotiations in good faith, which must necessarily lead to actual nuclear disarmament as confirmed by the ICJ.

The continued possession of nuclear arsenals by the US and European nuclear-weapon States for more than five decades, and the continued deployment of US nuclear weapons in European non-nuclear-weapon States, including Germany, constitute serious non-compliance.

Articles I and II prohibit, respectively, the transfer and receipt of nuclear weapons. Military alliances provide no exemption. Nuclear-sharing arrangements and NATO’s nuclear posture therefore contradict the NPT’s object and purpose and violate its provisions.

The Treaty prohibits nuclear weapons from being present in non-nuclear-weapon States, and formal ownership or control does not alter this principle. Obviously, rebranding cannot change the law.

Nuclear sharing is illegal under any designation or justification, whether involving NATO, the US, the UK, France, or Germany.

The proposed Franco-European nuclear partnership, including German participation in French nuclear exercises, risks normalizing nuclear sharing. It could also blur the distinction between nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States.

This is exceptionally dangerous amid a new nuclear arms race and a new nuclear arms modernization race, compounded by the US’s recent efforts to expand the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

We urge all concerned States to comply fully with the NPT, and end such arrangements. International security can be strengthened only through international law, nuclear disarmament, and faithful adherence to the prohibition of the use of force.

Second: Israeli Regime’s Atrocities in the Region

The Israeli regime owns a dark record of aggression, occupation, genocide, and material breaches of international law. This regime continues to reject renouncing its nuclear weapons, joining the NPT, and placing its nuclear activities under the IAEA’s safeguards.

Additionally, this regime has repeatedly attacked peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities and assassinated scientists in different countries. The recent examples are its transgressions against Iran.

The continued aggressions and atrocities by the Israeli regime, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, necessitate a proportionate response by the international community. If the so-called Board of Peace genuinely claims to stand for peace, it must swiftly address the grave crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and the West Bank. One cannot credibly claim a role in promoting peace while remaining silent in the face of aggression.

Finally, we request the Agency to extend its full support to the effective implementation of resolution GC(69)/RES/10, with a view to addressing the urgent needs of the State of Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip. This includes assistance in the areas of nuclear medicine as well as support for agricultural needs.

Third: Sanctions and other Restrictive Measures

Unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US and Europe have adversely affected the ability of States to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Such measures constrain access to technical assistance and international cooperation, the facilitation of which is a legal obligation. All these measures are unlawful and must come to an end.

Fourth: Application of Artificial Intelligence in the IAEA

Due to its broad and complex implications, Member States must be fully informed of all aspects and implications of the Artificial Intelligence application in the Agency. More importantly, they must be appropriately and meaningfully involved in this process.

Obviously, the integration of AI tools into the Agency’s work requires rigorous oversight with respect to data protection, risk management, and legal considerations. This is particularly important where the application of AI involves sensitive information provided by Member States. The incorporation of AI applications into the Agency’s activities must remain controlled, responsible, and transparent.

In this regard, Iran welcomes the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), and hopes that it will provide an effective platform for international cooperation in artificial intelligence, particularly by facilitating knowledge, equipment and technology transfer and enabling developing countries to benefit from its applications in the nuclear field.

I thank you Mr. Chair