Iran's envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog on Monday urgently called for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to "condemn Israeli aggression in the strongest terms," while accusing the United States of complicity in recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Reza Najafi, Iran's permanent representative to the IAEA, asserted that the U.S. had "prior knowledge and complicity" in Israel's strikes, demanding immediate accountability during an emergency IAEA board meeting.
"The IAEA and Inspector General had a clear responsibility to take effective preventive and deterrence measures when the Islamic Republic of Iran formally and on numerous occasions brought such credible threats against its safeguarded nuclear facilities to the agency's attention. The board must condemn Israeli aggression in the strongest terms and hold it accountable," he said.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported no physical damage to the underground uranium-enrichment halls at Natanz or the Fordow facility, though power supply destruction may have impaired centrifuges. Radiation levels outside all sites remained normal, with no public hazard detected.
Grossi affirmed continuous monitoring and readiness to respond to emergencies within an hour, stressing Iran's obligation to allow inspections "as soon as safety conditions permit" under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Israeli attacks destroyed above-ground sections of Natanz's pilot enrichment plant and electrical infrastructure and damaged four buildings at the Esfahan nuclear site, including a uranium conversion plant and chemical laboratory. Fordow, the Khondab Reactor, and the Bushehr Plant in Iran remain unscathed, according to the IAEA.
Israel's strikes since June 12 have killed over 400 in Iran, including senior military leaders and nuclear scientists, and derailed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for June 15 in Oman.
Iran demands IAEA condemn Israel amid nuclear site inspection
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
