Russian Envoy Calls IAEA Board's Anti-Iran Resolution 'Disgraceful'

Russia's envoy to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, criticized a resolution against Iran adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors, calling it "disgraceful," according to a report by TASS.

Ulyanov said the West's "level of expertise has dropped sharply of late," a claim he said was evidenced by the anti-Iran resolutions the Board has adopted. The IAEA Board of Governors is the agency's principal decision-making body on matters related to nuclear safeguards and compliance, and has periodically passed resolutions concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Russia's Long-Standing Position

Russia has repeatedly opposed Western-backed resolutions targeting Iran at the IAEA, arguing that diplomatic engagement rather than pressure or censure is the more effective path on nuclear issues. Moscow has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran, including cooperation on nuclear energy projects.

The report did not specify the exact content or sponsors of the resolution Ulyanov was referring to, nor did it include a response from Western delegations to his remarks. Iran's nuclear program has remained a recurring point of friction at the IAEA, with Western countries generally pushing for greater scrutiny and Iran, along with Russia and China, often contesting the agency's approach.