International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported today that Iran is failing to fulfill several of its nuclear obligations, raising renewed international concern regarding its nuclear program and compliance with non-proliferation agreements.
UN nuclear watchdog UN Nuclear Watchdog revealed in its quarterly report released Thursday that Iran continues to enrich uranium at rates far beyond those established under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), designed to constrain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Furthermore, Iran does not permit full access to key nuclear sites or answer queries regarding undeclared material discovered at multiple locations.
Iran’s cooperation with the agency remains severely limited,” according to a recent report by IAEA. Transparency measures required under the JCPOA and additional safeguards have not been met, while highly enriched uranium accumulation poses an obvious proliferation risk.
IAEA recently reported that Iran now possesses over 110 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, which experts consider close to weapons-grade quality. While enrichment itself does not equate to weapons production, its stockpile size and lack of oversight raise serious red flags about Iran’s intentions.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, spoke at a press conference in Vienna and expressed deep alarm over Iran’s lack of transparency and failure to provide adequate explanations regarding past nuclear activities. Without meaningful cooperation from Iran, our ability to ensure its nuclear program remains completely peaceful is severely limited.
Western powers reacted strongly to Iran’s findings. In a joint statement issued by them and France and Germany, they strongly urged it to immediately return to full compliance with JCPOA and restore cooperation with IAEA – “Time is running out; Iran’s actions are exacerbating regional tensions and undermining trust in international norms”, read their statement.
Iran rejected this report as politically driven, claiming that IAEA assessments were “biased” and failed to recognize Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy production. According to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization spokesperson, they will continue operating within international law without succumbing to pressure or misinformation from outside sources.
Since diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA have become futile, tensions have escalated dramatically. Vienna talks between Iran and remaining signatories have yielded little progress with each party pointing the finger at each other as being responsible for this impasse.
Israel, an outspoken critic of Iran’s nuclear program, responded to the IAEA report with calls for stronger international action against it. Israeli Prime Minister Eli Cohen stated, “The world must act decisively as Iran has now revealed their ambitions blatantly – sanctions must be reinstated, and all options remain open”.
As the international community watches closely, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency board meeting next week to explore potential next steps. With diplomatic channels tightening and threats of nuclear conflict rising, these next several weeks may prove essential in shaping Iran’s relationship with the outside world.