Stop attacks on nuclear facilities

New IAEA resolution against attacks on nuclear facilities.

Vienna, September 15-19, 2025 – At the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a group of countries including Belarus, China, Russia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua presented a draft resolution aimed at banning attacks and threats against nuclear facilities. The document reiterates that “all countries have an inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes” and that they “have the right to effective guarantees against any attack or threat of attack”.

Details of the proposal

• The text of the resolution, according to international sources, is promoted together with Iran.

• Among the reasons cited for advancing this proposal is concern about recent attacks on civilian nuclear facilities, particularly in Iran and Donbass, which have raised fears regarding the safety and protection of nuclear structures in conflict zones.

• Some states also complain that the IAEA has not taken a clear stance against these incidents, applying double standards in assessing risks.

What we know so far about the IAEA event

• The 69th IAEA General Conference is being held from September 15 to 19, 2025 at the Vienna International Centre.

• Delegations from approximately 180 member states are participating.

• Among the agenda items: nuclear security, technical cooperation, safeguards, IAEA budgets, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Controversies and opposition

• According to journalistic sources, the United States has already expressed strong opposition to the resolution.

• Some countries may face diplomatic pressure to vote against or avoid putting the proposal to a vote.

• It is currently unclear whether the proposal has the necessary support to be adopted, nor whether the final text has already been formally included in the official IAEA documents.

Importance and implications

• If approved, the resolution would strengthen international legal protection for civilian nuclear facilities, establishing a clear principle against attacks and threats even during conflicts.

• It could have significant impacts on international law, expanding protection for sensitive facilities and increasing the responsibilities of states resorting to preventive or military actions.

• At the same time, the initiative risks exacerbating political divisions between the sponsors of the resolution and Western countries that view the proposal more as a political tool than a technical one.