Fact Check: IAEA accused of selling its credibility over Iran's nuclear issues!

Fact Check: IAEA Accused of Selling Its Credibility Over Iran's Nuclear Issues

What We Know

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently faced scrutiny regarding its handling of Iran's nuclear program. In June 2025, the IAEA's board of governors formally declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades, with 19 of the 35 member countries voting in favor of the motion. This decision was supported by key Western nations, including the US, UK, France, and Germany, which cited Iran's "many failures" to provide necessary information about its nuclear activities as a basis for their stance (BBC).

Iran has consistently denied allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. The Iranian government condemned the IAEA's resolution as politically motivated, claiming it was influenced by Western powers (EFE). The IAEA's reports have indicated that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium, raising concerns about the potential for weaponization (BBC, EFE).

Analysis

The claim that the IAEA is "selling its credibility" stems from Iran's accusations that the agency is being used as a "political tool" by Western nations. Iran's government argues that the IAEA's reports are biased and lack a balanced assessment of the situation, suggesting that they are influenced by external pressures, particularly from the US and its allies (EFE, PressTV).

However, the IAEA is an established international body tasked with promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensuring compliance with non-proliferation agreements. Its credibility is generally upheld by its technical expertise and the rigorous verification processes it employs (IAEA, IAEA Overview). The agency's findings regarding Iran's nuclear activities have been corroborated by multiple reports and are consistent with the broader international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions (BBC, Reuters).

While Iran's accusations highlight a significant geopolitical tension and suggest a perception of bias, the IAEA's role as a watchdog in nuclear non-proliferation is critical. The agency's reports are based on technical assessments and inspections, which lend them credibility despite the political context in which they operate.

Conclusion

The claim that the IAEA is "selling its credibility" over Iran's nuclear issues is Partially True. While there are legitimate concerns about the political influences affecting the IAEA's operations, the agency's findings regarding Iran's nuclear activities are based on verifiable data and established protocols. Iran's accusations reflect its broader strategy of deflecting criticism and asserting its position in the international arena, but they do not entirely negate the validity of the IAEA's assessments.

Fact Check: IAEA accused of selling its credibility over Iran's nuclear issues!