Iran’s diplomatic mission in Vienna has challenged the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief over his self-described “expressions of concern” about the country’s uranium stockpile, questioning why he has not voiced similar concerns over attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the mission denounced IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi for applying a double standard, saying, “He expresses concern over Iran’s uranium stockpile, while remaining silent on the bombing of nuclear facilities.”

The mission stressed that Iran’s nuclear materials remain under the agency’s supervision, stating, “Grossi knows that every gram of Iran’s nuclear material is subject to accounting and monitoring by the Agency.”

It further argued that the IAEA’s own findings provide no evidence of nuclear material being diverted to undeclared purposes.

“Grossi knows that his own reports have never documented the diversion of even a single gram of these materials to undeclared uses,” the mission concluded.

The latest criticism comes amid broader Iranian objections to Grossi’s record as head of the nuclear watchdog, particularly as he seeks the position of United Nations secretary-general.

Last month, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei questioned whether Grossi could demonstrate the independence required of the UN’s top post, pointing to his conduct during his tenure at the IAEA. “He said he would act independently. Well, judging by the damage caused during his tenure as IAEA director general, he knows that he did not act that way. He knows that the international community expects him to act independently if he is to become UN secretary-general. Of course, I think it will be difficult for him to break that habit,” Baghaei said at the time.

Iran’s objections also concern the handling of confidential nuclear information by the IAEA.

Iranian officials have condemned Grossi and the agency for disclosing sensitive information to the Israeli regime, including details identifying Iranian nuclear scientists who were subsequently assassinated.

Tehran has further noted that the agency’s reporting has provided a political pretext for Israeli aggression against Iran, referring to how the regime has used the agency’s reports to try to justify the latest rounds of unprovoked aggression it has staged against the Islamic Republic alongside the United States.