Iran Files Formal Complaint Against IAEA Chief Over “Bias” and “Negligence”

The complaint follows Grossi’s recent statements expressing concern over Iran’s lack of transparency.

By DTD- On Jun 21, 2025

New York: Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi of bias and negligence amid escalating tensions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, submitted letters to both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council. The letters denounce what Tehran describes as Grossi’s “politicised conduct” and his failure to respond adequately to Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iravani criticised the IAEA chief for remaining silent on “Israel’s aggressive actions,” particularly alleged strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran says are violations of international law and pose a direct threat to regional security and nuclear safety.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, added that Tehran is considering legal action against Grossi for what he described as “inaction” regarding Israel’s hostile activities.

The complaint follows Grossi’s recent statements expressing concern over Iran’s lack of transparency. Earlier this month, he warned that the IAEA was “not in a position to assure that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.” Grossi also told the UN Security Council on Friday that recent attacks on Iranian facilities had led to a “sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security.”

The confrontation highlights deepening mistrust between Iran and the nuclear watchdog as well as ongoing strains in regional geopolitics. Talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — remain stalled, while Iran continues to expand its uranium enrichment activities.

While Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes, Western nations and the IAEA continue to express concern over Iran’s lack of cooperation and restrictions on international inspections.

This latest diplomatic move signals a hardening of Iran’s position and adds further complications to efforts aimed at restoring nuclear diplomacy in the Middle East.