Israel nukes threaten world peace, security: Iran IAEA envoy

The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has described the Israeli regime’s nuclear weapons program as a source of concern among Middle East states, and a serious and continued threat to the regional and international peace and security.

Addressing the 60th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in the Austrian capital city of Vienna on Thursday evening, Reza Najafi stated that Israel’s policy of nuclear ambiguity regarding its nuclear weapons program poses serious threats to the international peace and security, calling for the IAEA inspection of the regime’s secret nuclear sites.

Najafi further criticized some world powers for their unconditional support for and technical nuclear cooperation with Israel in violation of internal law and regulations.

The Iranian ambassador to the UN nuclear agency also called for an end to the double standards practiced by the countries that assist Israel with its nuclear program.

Israel, which has refused to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or allow inspections of its military nuclear facilities, keeps an estimated stockpile of some 200-400 nuclear warheads.

According to former US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s emails leaked earlier this month, Israel has 200 nuclear weapons “targeted on Tehran.”

The 60th regular session of the IAEA General Conference started in Vienna on September 26, and will run until September 30.

Senior officials and representatives of IAEA member states are considering a range of issues, including its program and budget.

A scientific forum on nuclear technology was held between September 28 and 29 in conjunction with the conference.