Iran, Russia call for urgent IAEA session; Tehran calls strikes ‘violations of international law’

Iran and Russia have formally requested an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors to address recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel, officials said Sunday.

In a letter to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Iran’s mission in Vienna described the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations Charter, the IAEA statute and international law protecting safeguarded nuclear sites. Tehran called for an urgent special session so member states can “immediately address the wrongful acts of aggressors against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.”

Officials in Vienna confirmed that, at Russia’s request, the agency will hold an extraordinary session of its governing board on March 2, 2026, a day before a regular quarterly meeting. The agenda will include discussions of the legality, impact and broader implications of the strikes.

Moscow’s appeal for the IAEA meeting reflects its vocal criticism of the United States and Israel over the attacks. The Russian government previously condemned US-Israeli air raids on Iranian nuclear facilities as “irresponsible” and in violation of international norms, arguing that such actions undermine global security and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Tehran has repeatedly insisted it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards, and it rejects assertions that its program justifies military force. The IAEA has emphasized the “utmost urgency” of verifying all nuclear material in Iran in the wake of the strikes, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.

The call for an IAEA session adds another layer to widening diplomatic fallout from the conflict. Iran’s demand for accountability at the nuclear watchdog comes amid ongoing military escalations and sharp rhetoric between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, and raises questions about the future of international oversight of Tehran’s nuclear activities.