Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami was prevented from attending an annual conference in Vienna due to US opposition, Iranian state television reported on Monday. The Iran nuclear chief had travelled toward Austria with his delegation.
The conference was scheduled at the headquarters of the United Nations nuclear agency in Vienna. Iranian state television said Eslami and his delegation were unable to continue their journey because of what it described as US obstructions.
According to the broadcaster, Eslami and his delegation had taken a regular flight to Vienna on Saturday. However, they were reportedly blocked during the journey and later returned to Iran’s capital, Tehran.
The reported incident involves an annual gathering at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The meeting brings officials and representatives together to discuss matters related to nuclear activities and international cooperation.
The Iran nuclear chief was expected to represent Tehran at the event. His absence comes amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States over nuclear issues and broader regional developments.
Iranian state television attributed the obstruction to the United States but did not provide further details about the specific measures that prevented Eslami and his delegation from reaching Vienna.
The development could add to existing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and its relations with Washington. Eslami’s return to Tehran means the Iranian delegation will not participate in the Vienna meeting as initially planned, according to the state broadcaster.
