Iran and the IAEA: insufficient cooperation to guarantee nuclear security
In a recently released confidential report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed disappointment with Iran’s lack of cooperation in relocating surveillance cameras under the nuclear deal. . IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of this cooperation to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
Yet, despite the IAEA’s efforts, the pace of reinstalling surveillance cameras remains very slow, with detrimental consequences for the agency’s ability to ensure nuclear security in Iran. This situation is all the more worrying as Iran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons.
At the same time, the IAEA also underlines the lack of progress in the resolution of the dispute concerning the presence of nuclear uranium particles on two undeclared sites in Iran. This point had already been an obstacle during the negotiations of the nuclear agreement in 2015 and continues to create tensions between Iran and the IAEA.
Moreover, a separate report by the IAEA reveals that the stockpiles of enriched uranium in Iran greatly exceed the authorized limit. Although the stock has declined from May this year, it is still more than 18 times above the set limit. Iran also continues to enrich uranium to high levels, approaching the threshold needed to build a nuclear bomb.
These findings underscore the urgency of closer cooperation between Iran and the IAEA to ensure nuclear security in the region. Concrete steps need to be taken to reinstall surveillance cameras and address persistent issues related to undeclared sites. It is also imperative that Iran respects the limits set for enriched uranium stocks.
In conclusion, cooperation between Iran and the IAEA remains insufficient to guarantee adequate nuclear security. Further efforts should be made to resolve outstanding issues and prevent any non-peaceful use of nuclear energy in Iran. The international community must remain vigilant and encourage the necessary steps to restore confidence and transparency in Iran’s nuclear program