Iran Urges Fair Treatment from UN Nuclear Watchdog Amid Rising Tensions

TDT | Manama

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to stop what he described as "double standards" if it wants Tehran to resume cooperation over its nuclear programme.

In a phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, Pezeshkian said Iran’s future collaboration with the IAEA hinges on the agency correcting its perceived bias. "The continuation of Iran's cooperation with the agency depends on it correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file," he was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.

Tensions between Iran and the IAEA have escalated sharply in recent weeks. Following a June bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by the United States and Israel — attacks which they said were aimed at halting Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons — Iran passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. In response, the agency pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran.

President Pezeshkian accused the IAEA of turning a blind eye to the bombings, claiming its earlier resolution criticizing Iran for breaching nuclear commitments created a pretext for the attack. "Failure to observe impartiality in reporting raises serious questions about the IAEA’s credibility," he added.

The recent bombings led to a 12-day conflict in which Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israel. Since then, no international inspectors have been allowed into Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite IAEA Director Rafael Grossi calling inspections a top priority.

Pezeshkian also issued a stern warning to Western powers: “Any repeated aggression against Iran will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response.”

While Iran continues to assert that its nuclear activities are purely for peaceful purposes, Western nations remain skeptical, fearing that Iran may be trying to develop nuclear weapons — a claim Tehran firmly denies.

As the standoff continues, the region remains on edge, with international efforts now focused on de-escalating tensions and reviving dialogue between Iran and global nuclear regulators.