VIENNA March 2, 2026 – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened a special emergency session of its Board of Governors today to examine the military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory.
The extraordinary meeting, which began at 9:00 a.m. CET at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, was formally requested by Russia and supported by Iran. It focuses on the impact of the weekend attacks on Iran’s nuclear programme, safeguards, and nuclear safety.
Reuters is streaming the proceedings live.
The session follows intense US-Israeli airstrikes launched over the weekend that targeted Tehran and other sites, reportedly killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military commanders. Israel has since expanded operations to include strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Iran has retaliated with missile barrages and drone attacks, including reported strikes intercepted in Kuwait and a suspected drone hit on Britain’s Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus that caused limited damage but no casualties.
US President Donald Trump has signalled that the military campaign against Iranian targets could continue for weeks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran “has always been open to diplomacy.”
The escalation has triggered sharp market reactions: oil prices have surged, airline shares have plunged more than 5% across Asia-Pacific carriers, and investors have rushed to gold and the US dollar.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is expected to deliver opening remarks stressing the need for restraint to prevent nuclear safety risks in the region. The agency has said it remains in permanent contact with all parties and is closely monitoring developments.
The emergency meeting precedes the IAEA’s regular Board of Governors session this week.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the escalation and called for an immediate return to diplomacy, warning that further military action risks igniting a wider regional war.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor the IAEA proceedings and the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.
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