Statement by

H.E. Mr. Majid Takht Ravanchi

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

At the 76th Session of the General Assembly

On the Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency

New York, 17 November 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank the distinguished Director-General of the IAEA for his report.

The peaceful use of nuclear energy plays a significant role in the scientific, technological, and socio-economic advancement of developing countries.

Nuclear knowledge-sharing and technology transfer to interested developing countries, as envisaged in the NPT and the IAEA Statute, are critical in this context. The IAEA statute specifies that the Agency is responsible for aiding Member States in nuclear energy research, development, and practical use for peaceful purposes.

Mr. President,

Iran emphasizes that safeguards-related verification activities should be conducted in support of the IAEA's principal role of promoting nuclear science and technology application. In this context, needed safeguards must be designed and implemented in a way that respects the inalienable rights of NPT States Parties while not impeding their economic or technological progress. Efforts to improve the safeguards' implementation must also preserve these inalienable rights and respect the NPT States Parties' national sovereignty. As a result, spurious concerns about nuclear proliferation should not be used as an excuse to limit these legitimate rights under any circumstances. We reject systematic attempts to deny or limit, in violation of the Treaty's letter and spirit, the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the guise of promoting non-proliferation.

Mr. President,

The United States' unlawful withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018 and reimposition of illegal sanctions against Iran, as well as the United States' significant non-performance of its obligations under the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231, have effectively prevented the Islamic Republic of Iran from exercising its legitimate rights as enshrined in the JCPOA and resolution 2231.

The undisputed reality is that until now, Iran has abided by the terms of the accord, whereas the US and the E3 have violated their JCPOA obligations. Iran will fully implement the JCPOA if the other parties implement all their obligations under the JCPOA and resolution 2231 effectively and lift all unlawful sanctions in a verifiable manner and ensure that they will not violate such obligations again.

In various domains, the Agency and the Islamic Republic of Iran collaborate closely. Among all member states, Iran has the best track record for receiving IAEA inspections and cooperating with the Agency. Despite the challenging environment created by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Agency has been able to carry out its verification activities in Iran effectively. As has on numerous occasions been verified and confirmed by the Agency, including in the Director-General's latest report, there are no safeguards issues associated with Iran's ongoing nuclear activities. Iran is dedicated to fulfilling its CSA obligations. It is important to stress that all nuclear material and facilities in Iran are subject to the Agency's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, and there is no evidence of diversion of declared nuclear material or activities in Iran.

However, the Agency's impartiality, independence, and professionalism should never be jeopardized in the context of the safeguards obligations.

Mr. President,

Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities have been under sabotage attacks and our nuclear scientists have been the target of assassination by the Zionist regime. The assassination of Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27, 2020, is following the pattern of terrorist acts that began over a decade ago with the assassinations of several Iranian nuclear scientists in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The international community and relevant international organizations, and in particular the United Nations, must unequivocally condemn these heinous terrorist crimes. The Israeli regime continues to be a non-signatory to the NPT. It has consistently and vehemently refused to join the NPT and adhere the IAEA comprehensive safeguards. The Agency must deal with this regime with unbiased and professional approach.

I thank you, Mr. President.