IAEA Board of Governors
Extraordinary Meeting
Australian Statement
H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
16 June 2025
Chair,
Australia is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, with further attacks continuing between Israel and Iran.
Australia has been clear that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to international peace and security.
Last week, this Board found Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.
We joined partners in calling on Iran to comply with its safeguards obligations.
We repeat that call now.
This threat must be dealt with in a way that doesn’t increase the risk of further regional escalation – with all of the consequences that has for the people of the region and the world more broadly.
This is why Australia is a part of the international call urging de-escalation, urging restraint, and urging dialogue and diplomacy.
We are grateful to the Director General for the updates he has provided to the Board about these developments and express our deep appreciation for the continuation of the Agency’s vital work under intensely challenging circumstances.
Australia is following closely the concerning implications of these developments for the Agency’s nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation mandate, as well as its staff and inspectors. We note the potential risks of conflict to the safety and security of nuclear facilities.
Chair,
Iran’s prolonged non-compliance with its safeguards obligations, as clearly demonstrated in the comprehensive and updated assessment provided by the Director General’s latest report, remains a matter of serious concern for the international community. Australia supported the resolution adopted by this Board last Thursday, because failing to act on Iran’s clear safeguards non-compliance would undermine the non-proliferation regime. The resolution stressed the Board’s support for a diplomatic solution to the challenges posed by the Iranian nuclear program.
The door for constructive diplomacy and engagement remains open and it is the only viable path forward to address international concerns related to Iran’s nuclear activities. We demand that Iran return promptly to full compliance with its safeguards obligations, to engage constructively with the IAEA, and to demonstrate its commitment to the NPT. In the current international environment, the NPT’s central role in preventing proliferation, while upholding the right to peaceful nuclear technology, is more important than ever.
Chair,
Australia again thanks the Director General and the Secretariat for their essential, independent work in Iran. We ask that the Director General continue to keep the Board informed of all relevant developments.
Thank you, Chair.