The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has condemned the United States and the Israeli regime for targeting irradiation centers in their aerial assaults against the country, saying the war crime put the health of Iranian people and their food security at risk.

Mohammad Eslami made the remarks in an address to the international conference “Ecocide: the Silent War Crime” in Tehran on Sunday.

He censured the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s failure to condemn “brazen and reckless” US-Israeli bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear plants, whose destruction could have catastrophic consequences for the environment and human lives.

“In addition to the nuclear facilities that were hit in the recent attacks..., non-nuclear installations were directly targeted, including refineries, petrochemical plants, and irradiation centers. These centers are run by the AEOI to support public health and food security,” he added.

“Attacking factories and these sites, and deliberately targeting their sensitive areas, can only be described as a crime and a war crime… This act demonstrates their (the enemies’) disregard for humanity and their indifference to human life, the environment, and future generations.”

Eslami also hit out at US President Donald Trump for making the development of nuclear power plants in his country a policy priority, while simultaneously banning the Islamic Republic from pursuing the same technology.

He further commended talented Iranian scientists and researchers for their tireless efforts and self-sacrifice to achieve the nuclear technology, which plays a vital role in the health sector.

“Nuclear technology is a technology of life—a life-sustaining technology that is environmentally friendly, supports human health, and helps save lives and protect the environment. Why should the Islamic Republic of Iran be denied access to this advanced technology, which serves as a driving force for the country’s scientific and technological progress?” he asked.

“How can a country that has developed and mastered this technology be expected to give it up simply because a bullying power wants to dictate its policies and control its choices, forcing it to deprive its own people of the benefits this technology provides?”

Iran’s nuclear industry will survive war and strikes because knowledge cannot be obliterated by force

US-Israeli military aggression may have damaged Iran

The US and the Israeli regime waged their first unlawful military assault against Iran, which lasted 12 days, in June 2025. Their second invasion began in late February and came to a halt in early April after 40 days.

In both wars, the aggressors targeted Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations, in flagrant violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, Iran’s resistance and successful retaliatory operations forced the enemies to accept a ceasefire.

Following the first war of aggression, the Iranian Parliament in June 2025 unanimously passed the legislation requiring the government to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA.