A special session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors is set for tomorrow in Vienna, as tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program escalate dramatically. The urgency of the situation was underscored during a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, where officials warned that the nuclear nonproliferation regime, a cornerstone of global security for over fifty years, is at risk.

The backdrop of this meeting includes recent bombardments in Iran, raising fears of a broader conflict. The IAEA's Director General emphasized the critical need for dialogue and diplomacy, stating, "If that window closes, violence and destruction could reach unthinkable levels." He called for a return to negotiations and the reinstatement of IAEA inspectors at Iran's nuclear sites to verify uranium stockpiles, particularly the alarming 4,400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.

The Director General reported significant damage at key Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordow site, where craters indicate the use of U.S. ground-penetrating munitions. He noted that while the IAEA is monitoring the situation, no assessments of underground damage can currently be made. The Isfahan site also suffered attacks, impacting buildings related to uranium conversion.

Highlighting the potential consequences of military actions, he reiterated that armed attacks on nuclear facilities could lead to catastrophic radioactive releases. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning that military escalation not only threatens lives but also undermines long-term diplomatic solutions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The IAEA stands ready to deploy nuclear safety experts to Iran, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a return to diplomacy before the opportunity slips away.