Iran protests as US prevents its nuclear chief attending IAEA meeting - Reuters

**Iran protests U.S. move to bar its nuclear chief from IAEA conference**

*Tehran* – Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, was denied a visa to attend the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna after the United States urged the United Nations to enforce a travel restriction on senior Iranian nuclear officials. The U.S. State Department, citing Tehran’s “non‑compliance with its nuclear non‑proliferation commitments,” appealed to the UN Security Council for a binding ban that would prevent Salehi and other senior officials from entering the United Nations premises. The move was welcomed by Washington’s allies, who argue that restricting high‑level Iranian participation underscores the seriousness of alleged violations, while critics in Tehran denounced it as “malicious” interference in a technical forum.

Iran’s foreign ministry and the AEOI issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing the United States of politicizing a scientific gathering and violating the spirit of the IAEA’s mandate to foster transparent dialogue. In statements to Reuters and The Hindu, Iranian officials called the U.S. action “unjustified” and “a breach of international diplomatic norms,” asserting that Iran remains committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and to cooperation with the IAEA. The Iranian side also warned that the exclusion of its chief could impede constructive discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, potentially escalating mistrust between Tehran and the international community.

The IAEA, which convenes the annual General Conference in Vienna to review global nuclear safety and safeguard efforts, confirmed that Salehi will not be present but said the agency will continue its engagement with Iranian representatives through alternative channels. Bloomberg and India Today reported that the United Nations has yet to issue a formal travel ban, but the U.S. pressure has effectively blocked the Iranian delegation. The episode comes amid renewed diplomatic friction over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, a stalled nuclear deal, and broader regional security concerns. Observers note that the episode could further complicate any future negotiations aimed at reviving the JCPOA, underscoring the delicate balance between technical cooperation and geopolitical rivalry.