International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Hold Extraordinary Meeting at Russia’s Request Amid Gulf Military Escalation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will convene an extraordinary meeting on Monday, following a request from Russia in response to the recent military escalation in the Gulf region.
Why the meeting was called
- Russia’s permanent mission to the IAEA asked for a special session of the IAEA Board of Governors to discuss “issues related to the strikes by the United States and the (Zionist entity) against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” according to an official IAEA press release.
- Mikhail Oulianov, Russia’s permanent representative to international organisations in Vienna, confirmed the request on social media.
Earlier diplomatic moves
- On Saturday, Iran’s UN delegation sent a letter to the IAEA Director, Rafael Grossi, echoing the same request for a special session.
What to expect
- The extraordinary meeting of the Board of Governors—which represents 35 member states—will precede a regular session already scheduled.
- In a separate statement on Saturday, the IAEA called for “restraint” to “avoid any risk to nuclear safety for populations in the Middle East.”
Source: INTER/APS
