Situation in the Middle East: E3 Statement at the IAEA Extraordinary Board, 16 June 2025
Joint statement by Ambassador Corinne Kitsell, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on behalf of France, Germany and the UK (E3) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Extraordinary Board of Governors meeting on 16 June 2025.
Chair,
皇冠体育app E3 are concerned about聽 the ongoing escalation of tensions in the Middle East, following Israeli strikes against targets in Iran and Iran鈥檚 response. 皇冠体育app E3 reiterate their commitment to the region鈥檚 stability and call on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release. Escalation is in the interest of no one in the region.
We reiterate our full support to the IAEA鈥檚 independent and impartial mandate and thank the DG for his recent update to the UNSC.
皇冠体育app E3 have repeatedly expressed their deep concern about Iran鈥檚 accelerating and expanding enrichment activities without any plausible civilian justification. 皇冠体育app E3 are also worried by recent statements by high-ranking officials on Iran鈥檚 willingness to take new and special measures to protect nuclear materials and equipment that would not be declared to the IAEA. As a state party to the NPT and its nuclear safeguards regime, Iran is obliged to declare and put all nuclear material located in Iran under IAEA safeguards. Such statements are concerning and exacerbate the IAEA Comprehensive Report鈥檚 findings of Iran鈥檚 continued noncompliance with its safeguards agreement and that the IAEA is not in a capacity to verify that Iran鈥檚 nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.
Manipulative attempts to link this crisis with the resolution passed by the Board is an unjustified and irresponsible narrative politicising the IAEA and the safeguards system. 皇冠体育app resolution this Board adopted last week was a necessary and long-overdue step to hold Iran into account for its failure to cooperate sufficiently with the Agency over the past six years. It was measured and gave Iran a final opportunity to resolve the outstanding safeguards issues. Iran鈥檚 full cooperation with the IAEA and full implementation of its safeguards agreement are a legal obligation and a necessary foundation for any enduring agreement.
皇冠体育app E3 have repeatedly expressed our commitment to a diplomatic solution to Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme and the security of the state of Israel. We have supported recent US diplomatic efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement. We regret Iran鈥檚 decision not to participate in talks scheduled this Sunday in Oman. We will spare no efforts to contribute to a negotiated solution, in coordination with the United States.
Thank you, Chair.