Iran Nuclear Chief Barred From IAEA Annual Conference in Vienna

TEHRAN: Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami was prevented from attending the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual conference in Vienna following what Tehran described as objections and pressure from the United States.

According to Iranian state media, Eslami and his delegation travelled to Vienna on a regular flight on Saturday to attend the annual IAEA gathering.

Iranian officials said Eslami was scheduled to participate in the conference being held at the IAEA headquarters, which is set to continue through Friday.

Iran Condemns Visa Decision

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly criticised the decision, describing the refusal to issue visas to the Iranian delegation as unjustified.

Baghaei said Tehran believed the move to prevent Eslami from attending the conference was the result of US pressure, while stressing that this did not remove responsibility from the Austrian government.

Iran has formally protested the decision and summoned Austria’s chargé d’affaires to its Foreign Ministry to seek an explanation for the delegation’s exclusion.

IAEA Conference Focuses on Nuclear Issues

The IAEA’s annual conference brings together member states to discuss issues related to nuclear energy, nuclear safety and international safeguards, as well as the agency’s wider activities.

Iranian officials said preventing Iranian representatives from participating in an important annual event of the international nuclear organisation was contrary to diplomatic principles, particularly at a time when Tehran’s nuclear programme remains a major source of tension with Western countries.

Eslami Plays Key Role in Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Mohammad Eslami heads Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and has been a key figure in the country’s nuclear programme and its engagement with the IAEA.

He has taken part in discussions and diplomatic contacts concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and international monitoring arrangements.

Iran has repeatedly rejected Western pressure over its nuclear programme and maintained that its activities are intended for peaceful purposes.

The latest dispute over the Vienna conference is likely to add to tensions between Iran and Western countries over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the role of international nuclear monitoring.

Iran says its delegation should have been allowed to participate in the IAEA conference and has demanded clarification from Austria over the decision.