Iranians react to IAEA censure

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, has voted overwhelmingly to censure Iran for building a uranium enrichment plant in secret.

Iran has reportedly retaliated, saying the rebuke will damage its cooperation with the agency. The resolution is the first against Iran in almost four years and the reaction on the streets of Tehran was negative. One resident said: “This resolution, like previous resolutions, will not be effective because Iran’s nuclear energy is truly peaceful. With the unity of Iranian people, this resolution will remain ineffective like previous ones.” Another resident said: “Over the last years, the IAEA chief has taken contradictory stances toward Iran. Sometimes he’s supported Iran and other times baselessly accused Iran. Unfortunately, the IAEA has become a place for big powers to impose pressure on Iran.” The IAEA resolution signals a fear that Iran plans to build a nuclear bomb and was passed with rare Russian and Chinese backing.

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