Threats from Enemies Persist: Iran’s Nuclear Chief Speaks Out

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), described the current security situation as “similar to wartime” in an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News. He highlighted that Israeli and US attacks in June targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, military infrastructure, officials, scientists, and civilians, resulting in 935 casualties over 12 days, marking the first-ever military assault on safeguarded nuclear facilities.

Eslami criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its role prior to the strikes, accusing its leadership of collaborating with Tel Aviv and issuing anti-Iran resolutions that helped justify the attacks. “Trust with the IAEA must be rebuilt,” he said, emphasizing that Iran suspended cooperation following the aggression but recently signed a new agreement in Cairo on September 9 to resume limited cooperation.

Despite resuming internal inspections, including at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Eslami stressed that Iran remains cautious of intelligence leaks that could expose facilities to renewed attacks. He called the IAEA’s failure to condemn the Israeli-American strikes an “unforgivable mistake” and asserted that no nation places any issue above its sovereignty and national security.

Reiterating Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Eslami warned that inspection obligations only have meaning when paired with respect for national rights, underscoring Tehran’s determination to protect its nuclear program while cautiously re-engaging with international regulators.