Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting on Monday, 23 June 2025 Item 1: The situation in Iran

Thank you, Madam Chair, 

Japan thanks the Director General for his latest updates.

Japan is closely monitoring the evolving situation, bearing in mind the implications of attacks on nuclear facilities to safety, security and safeguards. We believe that the immediate de-escalation of the situation is of paramount importance. Simultaneously, it is crucial to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran must assure its compliance to the NPT.
The Agency’s involvement is imperative for ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy of any Member States. We call on Iran once again to cooperate fully and immediately with the Agency in this regard.

Madame Chair,

Japan commends DG’s reiterated commitment to nuclear safety, security and safeguards as well as the protection of the Agency’s staff. In this regard, we welcome the DG’s readiness to travel to Iran and, where necessary there, deploy the Agency’s nuclear safety and security experts.

Taking this opportunity, Japan emphasizes once again its strong hope for diplomacy, notably its hope that the talks between the United States and Iran will be reopened and pave the way forward for resolving Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue.

Japan asks the Director General to keep us informed of the Agency’s assessment on this evolving situation.

Thank you, Madam Chair.