UK Right of Reply on behalf of AUKUS partners IAEA September 2026

The United Kingdom, Australia and the United States delivered a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, September 2026, rejecting allegations about Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. The partners stated their programme is consistent with the NPT and global safeguards, dismissing unsubstantiated claims of non-compliance. They argued that repeated inclusion of this agenda item by China politicises safeguards discussions and undermines confidential technical engagement with the IAEA.

AUKUS partners emphasised that their activities comply with international obligations, including the NPT, the Treaty of Rarotonga and Australia’s IAEA safeguards agreements. They highlighted that naval nuclear propulsion is explicitly permitted under the NPT and IAEA model safeguards arrangements, with Australia’s programme subject to robust verification measures. The partners warned that political interference in safeguards negotiations would weaken the IAEA’s independence and technical authority.

The statement addressed claims that the Board would be bypassed, calling them false and reaffirming transparency. It noted that UK and US submarine visits to Australia, including through Submarine Rotational Force-West from 2027, support safe and secure operation of nuclear-powered submarines. These visits are conducted in accordance with international obligations and are part of ongoing preparations for Australia’s capability.

AUKUS partners committed to continued open engagement with the IAEA, providing updates under ‘Any Other Business’ and encouraging direct dialogue with relevant authorities. They reiterated that all updates since AUKUS’s 2021 announcement are publicly available online and urged other states to review these materials rather than raising repeatedly addressed issues at the Board.