EU Statement

Special Board of Governors

International Atomic Energy Agency

Vienna, 23 June 2025

Chair, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

The EU expresses our full support to the IAEA and the Director General in their critical work to uphold the implementation of safeguards, nuclear safety and security and pursue clarity on Iran’s nuclear programme.

We thank the Director General for calling this meeting and for his update.

The European Union is deeply concerned at the dangerous escalation in Iran that threatens to destabilise the Middle East. We call on all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. Lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action. We believe that diplomacy can and must prevail. All sides must take decisive steps to de-escalate.

The EU spares no effort to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be through a negotiated deal. We, both EU Member States Ministers and the EU High Representative have taken numerous bilateral contacts since the start of the conflict with all stakeholders, including phone conversations with our Iranian counterparts to call on Iran to take decisive steps to return to negotiations and pave the way for a diplomatic solution.  In this vein, the High Representative and the E3 Ministers met the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs last Friday. EU Foreign Ministers will again discuss the situation today.

We will continue to engage for de-escalation in view of a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

We reiterate our unequivocal support to the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an important element in the development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes. We reject any attempts to question the NPT.

Chair,

The European Union has repeatedly expressed its concern about Iran’s escalating nuclear trajectory. The EU has been engaged over many years in a diplomatic effort to find a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, including as coordinator of the negotiations that led to the agreement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was signed in 2015.

It remains a key security priority for the EU to ensure through diplomatic means that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. We continue to believe that a diplomatic, negotiated solution represents the only way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme in a sustainable manner and to maintain peace and security in the Middle East.

Less than two weeks ago, this Board adopted a resolution on Iran’s implementation of safeguards, which demonstrated our collective commitment to a negotiated solution. Iran’s implementation of its safeguards obligations is non-negotiable. 

Noting GC (53)/DEC13, we call all parties to abide by international law, show restraint and strictly observe international humanitarian law, and avoid targeting of civilians and any steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release. 

In that context, the EU reiterates its strong commitment to regional security, including the security of the State of Israel. 

We reiterate our full support for the Director General and the IAEA’s verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear programme and its reporting. We encourage all parties to cooperate with the Agency, ensure the safety of its staff, and allow it to perform its full role in support of nuclear safety, security and safeguards. The safety of inspectors should never be put at risk.

We thank DG Grossi for his updates and look forward to his further reporting.

Thank you, Chair.