Title: Iran’s IAEA Envoy Condemns US Strikes, Vows Retaliation Under UN Charter
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Reza Najafi, has condemned recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a "profound blow" to the foundations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). His remarks, made during a formal address, accuse the United States—the very country that is a signatory to the NPT—of violating treaty principles by targeting safeguarded sites monitored by the IAEA, namely the critical locations of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Najafi articulated the grave consequences of these strikes, warning of potential radioactive contamination that could emerge as a result of the attacks. His assertions highlight a growing concern within Iran that such military actions destabilize the delicate balance established by the NPT, rendering it "ineffective." This framing positions the U.S. as acting in defiance of international norms, a stance that Najafi suggests is celebrated by Washington as "unlawful aggression."
Moreover, Najafi firmly reiterated Iran’s right to self-defense as stipulated under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, indicating that the nation could pursue retaliatory measures in response to these escalations. His address coincides with a broader context of increased tensions, particularly as Israeli forces continue their operations targeting Iranian assets, including the notorious Evin prison in Tehran.
The situation remains fluid, with key players such as Russia, China, and Pakistan advocating for a ceasefire resolution in the United Nations Security Council. Their calls for de-escalation echo the international community’s growing alarm over the rising hostilities in the region.
As the implications of these military actions mount, Najafi’s statements underscore a critical juncture for nuclear governance and international diplomacy. The unfolding scenario poses pressing questions regarding the future of the NPT and global nuclear security, as tensions between Iran and the U.S. continue to escalate in an increasingly volatile landscape.
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Video “Iran’s IAEA envoy says US strikes shattered NPT integrity and vows retaliation under UN Charter” was uploaded on 06/23/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English