Global (Commonwealth Union) _ The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran took a concerning turn when Israel reportedly targeted airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear facilities last Friday. The move prompted major concerns regarding regional escalation and nuclear safety.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that Iran has confirmed that the attack had an impact on the Natanz enrichment site, yet did not seem to indicate any amplification in radiation levels. However, the Esfahan and Fordow sites remain unaffected.
Rafael Grossi, the Director of the IAEA addressed the situation and cited international laws as well as several US General Conference resolutions that disapprove of armed attacks carried out against peaceful nuclear facilities, reiterating that “nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances”, emphasising that such actions can pose grave risks to both the environment and people as well as give rise to instability in global peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also responded to the rising tensions and called for restraint in an attempt to urge the nations to see the value of diplomacy over the escalation of conflict. Guterres stated on social media “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”
At the same time, the IAEA has announced their willingness to gauge the current damage by sending in a team of safety and security experts in an attempt to prevent any fallouts. Grossi emphasised the IAEA’s stand on non-proliferation and further shared his intentions of paying a visit to the region, in an effort to support dialogue and inspection processes. Nevertheless, monitoring the safety of the staff representing the IAEA in both Israel and Iran has been made a priority.
Iran reportedly retaliated to the strikes with the launch of ballistic missiles, marking the third consecutive day where the two nations engaged in military exchanges causing global concerns. In the meantime, the Board of Governors in the IAEA implemented a resolution merely a day before the strikes, signalling the need for a diplomatic solution in regard to Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed that discussions had taken place with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the latter was ready to act as a mediator. Trump also suggested the crisis might “accelerate diplomacy” with both nations being open to negotiation.
President of the Commonwealth Union and British diplomat Mr Nirj Deva also called for de-escalation, urging all sides to “calm down”, advocating for international order and Islamic principles of peace.
