TEHRAN– Hussein Derakhshandeh, the deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has outlined four key priorities for equitable development of nuclear power globally, without any monopoly on the related technology.
Derakhshandeh, who is also CEO of the Nuclear Power Production and Development Company of Iran, made the proposal at the ‘International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power,’ hosted by South Korea on Tuesday.
Emphasizing the need to remove discriminatory barriers, facilitate access to advanced technologies, expand technical cooperation, and strengthen international measures for the protection of peaceful nuclear facilities, he stated that these technologies must not be turned into a tool for creating monopolies.
The AEOI deputy chief also called for equal access to advanced nuclear technologies, in accordance with the principles of international law and free from any double standards, saying Iran reaffirms the inalienable right of states party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 
(NPT) to conduct research, development, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Stressing the need to respect the rights of NPT signatories, he urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to act as an independent, technical, and development-oriented body, under the Statute that tasks it with promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and fostering technical cooperation among member states, without discrimination.
Regrettably, however, experience in recent years has shown that the IAEA has become subject to political considerations, straying from the impartial execution of its statutory responsibilities, he noted, citing unlawful US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.
These American and Israeli attacks constitute a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the resolutions of the IAEA General Conference prohibiting attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities, Derakhshandeh said, accusing the Agency of failing to effectively uphold the fundamental principles of impartiality and professionalism.
Insisting that the protection of peaceful nuclear infrastructure is a shared international obligation, he denounced the silence on the violation of the rights of the Iranian nation across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, food security, the environment, and industry.
Regrettably, the Israeli regime, the United States, and certain European countries—driven by political agendas—persistently engage in smear campaigns, leveling baseless accusations and orchestrating negative media narratives, he added.