Vienna: The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors convened an emergency closed-door meeting at the agency's headquarters. This meeting, held at the request of Russia, was called to address what has been described as "Israeli violations" concerning Iranian nuclear facilities that fall under the agency's safeguards.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Russian Federation initiated the meeting to discuss Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, which are protected under IAEA safeguards. The session, although not open to the press, allowed for a photo opportunity featuring the IAEA Director General and the Chair of the Board before its commencement. In a memorandum submitted by Russian Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov, the attacks were labeled as "a flagrant violation" of the IAEA's safeguards, posing a dangerous precedent that could undermine the global nuclear regulatory framework.
Ambassador Ulyanov emphasized that ignoring these developments could damage the IAEA's credibility and role. Moscow asserted that the attacked facilities are part of the IAEA's nuclear safeguards system, thus making the actions a breach of international law and a threat to regional security. The meeting takes place amid escalating regional tensions, with no official remarks from the Israeli side or the IAEA itself. The Board of Governors, comprising 35 countries, is expected to influence international responses as reports of systematic targeting of Iran's nuclear program increase.