The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing its leadership of acting under the influence of Western powers.

Speaking on Monday, Eslami confirmed that two meetings have already been held with the agency and that a third is expected soon, stressing that Iran’s nuclear activities are being pursued strictly within the framework of parliamentary law.

“The agency was invited to oversee the fuel replacement process at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and with approval from the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council, this oversight was conducted,” Eslami said. He explained that two inspectors had carried out the supervision and then departed, noting that the process is unfolding according to established legal requirements.

Eslami, however, voiced frustration with the IAEA’s leadership, stating: “Our concern is that the agency’s management system and leadership operate under the influence of dominant powers. The Director General himself is a fundamental problem.”

Iran has long argued that the IAEA applies double standards in its monitoring, pointing to political pressure exerted by Western governments, particularly the United States, to undermine Tehran’s nuclear program. While Iranian officials maintain that the country’s activities are peaceful and in line with international regulations, tensions persist between Tehran and the agency over transparency and verification issues.

The latest developments come as Iran and the IAEA continue technical negotiations on nuclear oversight, with both sides signaling cautious progress despite ongoing political disputes. (ILKHA)