Iran says it has strong resolve and multiple options to defend itself, official tells IAEA conference

Behrouz Kamalvandi, a senior Iranian nuclear official, spoke on the sidelines of the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's stance amid ongoing wartime conditions.

Kamalvandi said Iran is making every effort to manage the situation and ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Reacting to U.S. claims regarding maritime traffic in the strait, he said, "Regarding the number of ships, it is not what they claim. Currently, only a single-digit number of vessels are transiting in and out of the Strait of Hormuz."

Commenting on the ongoing wartime conditions, Kamalvandi stated, "If you are under attack, you have all the cards at your disposal to defend yourself. Therefore, we have more than one card; of course, we have sufficient cards and options." He stressed, "But beyond these options, we have the resolve—a strong resolve to defend our country." The senior Iranian nuclear official added, "And of course, regardless of how much pressure they exert on us, we will overcome this situation."

Elsewhere in the interview, Kamalvandi addressed the absence of Mohammad Eslami, the Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), at the conference in the Austrian capital. He revealed that Austrian authorities "issued visas about two weeks ago, but suddenly, under American pressure, canceled them." Kamalvandi said, "This is not just an issue concerning Iran; this is an international issue," concluding with the emphasis that "I think all countries must react to it."

According to Mehr News, the remarks came during the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, where Kamalvandi discussed the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's defensive options, and the visa cancellation that prevented Eslami from attending.