Iran has accused the US of pressuring Austria to block its nuclear chief from attending the IAEA’s annual conference in Vienna, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami has been prevented from attending the International Atomic Energy Agency’s annual conference in Vienna after Austria refused to grant him entry, amid reported US opposition to a waiver from international travel restrictions.
Eslami, who heads the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, had travelled towards Vienna with a delegation but returned to Tehran, according to Iranian state television. Tehran said the move was the result of US pressure.
The dispute comes as the IAEA holds its 70th General Conference from 14 to 18 September, with Iran’s nuclear programme among the most sensitive issues facing the agency.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had summoned Austria’s chargé d’affaires over the decision, calling the refusal to issue visas “completely unjustified”.
The issue follows a UN travel ban on Eslami. According to an official cited by the Associated Press, Austria sought a waiver from the UN sanctions committee to allow him to attend, but the request was not granted.
The exclusion comes days after the IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran’s nuclear file to the UN Security Council, citing concerns over Tehran’s cooperation with nuclear safeguards.
Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and maintains that its programme is peaceful.
