Vienna: Iran's ambassador to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna declared that preventing the nation's nuclear chief from attending the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) General Conference represents a "clear violation" of Iran's rights as a member state. Reza Najafi conveyed that Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, was denied access to the session due to US government pressure.

According to Anadolu Agency, Najafi asserted that this denial breaches the principle of sovereign equality as set forth in the IAEA Statute, which ensures equal rights and benefits for member states. He emphasized that the action infringed upon Iran's right to be represented by a delegate of its choosing at the general conference and weakened the privileges necessary for accredited delegates to carry out their roles.

Najafi further criticized the incident as it disrupts the principles of equal representation and participation among all members in the conference and other agency meetings. He highlighted that treaty-based membership rights should remain inviolable.

The Iranian envoy accused Austria, the host country, of failing to meet its obligations under the headquarters agreement with the IAEA. Najafi pointed out that the agreement mandates Austria to facilitate the entry of member state representatives into its territory and to swiftly issue visas to accredited delegates.

Najafi urged Austria to implement "urgent corrective action" and provide assurances against future occurrences of similar incidents. He labeled the denial of access as an abuse of power and process by Austria, which compromises its reputation as an impartial host of international organizations.

The IAEA General Conference commenced in Vienna on Monday and is scheduled to conclude on Friday.