In a letter to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Eslami submitted a formal protest against the attacks carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime near Unit 1 of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
The letter noted that at approximately 8:30 am local time on Saturday, April 4, 2026, aerial and missile strikes targeted the area surrounding the perimeter of Unit 1 (BNPP-1). The assault resulted in significant damage to a facility on-site, the death of one security personnel, and injuries to several others.
Eslami stressed that this incident marks the fourth attack on the unit and cautioned that such actions could jeopardize the integrity of the operational reactor, leading to the potential release of radioactive materials.
This poses severe and possibly irreversible consequences for local populations, the environment, and even neighboring countries, he warned.
The letter further emphasized that the attack contravenes the principle prohibiting assaults on safeguarded nuclear facilities located in states party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It characterized the attack as a grave threat to the global non-proliferation framework.
Eslami also explained that the military operations in question violate the Geneva Conventions and their associated protocols, the IAEA Statute, the NPT, Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (INFCIRC/214), as well as resolutions passed by the IAEA Board of Governors and the agency’s safety standards.
Eslami further criticized the perceived inaction of the IAEA and its Director General, asserting that merely expressing “deep concern” without a clear condemnation of such acts falls short. He warned that this reticence may encourage the aggressors to undertake further attacks. Additionally, he pointed out politically biased remarks by Grossi, including comments made during a March 2026 interview with CBS News.
In conclusion, Eslami urged the IAEA to adopt a robust and firm position, condemn attacks on Iran’s safeguarded nuclear facilities, and fulfill its statutory responsibilities rather than remaining a passive observer. He affirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take the necessary steps to defend its sovereign rights.