Iran Nuclear Chief Barred From IAEA Conference Amid US Pressure

Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran's nuclear program, was denied entry to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna on September 14, reportedly due to pressure from the Trump administration. The Associated Press confirmed Eslami, who also serves as Iran's Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, could not attend the annual IAEA General Conference due to an existing international travel ban against him. Eslami was scheduled to speak on the opening day of the conference.

According to Bloomberg, Washington's "insistent appeals" led to Eslami being denied the necessary permit to enter Austria, despite sanctions. Iran may send a lower-ranking official in his place. The AP reported that Austria had requested a temporary lifting of Eslami's travel restrictions from the UN sanctions committee but was denied. As the host country for the IAEA headquarters, Austria can request such exceptions for sanctioned officials attending UN events.

Conflicting information emerged from Tehran, with the state news agency IRNA initially reporting Eslami had already departed for Vienna. The 70th IAEA General Conference, running from September 14 to 18, will address the agency's budget and nuclear security, including the Middle East safeguards system. Iran's nuclear activities are expected to be a central focus, with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright planning to demand full cooperation from Tehran, adherence to safeguards, and access for inspectors. Washington will also reiterate that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

Relations between Tehran and the IAEA have deteriorated significantly since the June 2025 conflict and subsequent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has since restricted IAEA inspectors' access to sites affected by the attacks, despite its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Eslami previously stated that inspectors would not be allowed at damaged facilities until a new verification protocol is agreed upon.

Uncertainty also surrounds Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. The IAEA reported Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, but its whereabouts and condition are unconfirmed following the strikes. The technical step to reach weapons-grade enrichment at 90% is considered small. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and denies seeking nuclear weapons.

Further tension arises from the "Pickaxe Mountain" facility near Natanz, where new construction was reported last week. Former President Donald Trump warned Tehran against "trying to cheat" and did not rule out strikes if work continued. This underground complex, unlike the nearby Natanz facility, has not yet been attacked.

On September 9, the IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran's case to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years, citing Tehran's refusal to fully cooperate with investigations into uranium traces found at undeclared sites. The resolution, proposed by the U.S., UK, France, and Germany, passed with 23 votes in favor, three against (Russia, China, Niger), and eight abstentions.