Amidst tumultuous global events, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President declared a halt to Iran’s affiliation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on July 3 in response to the American bombing of three significant Iranian nuclear facilities. This occurred while Israel simultaneously conducted air strikes against the nation. The future dialogue between Iran and the IAEA promises to be intricately technical and complex, as was stated by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs preceding the IAEA’s first visit considering Iran’s recent withdrawal from the organization.
Unsurprisingly, relations between Iran and the IAEA became strained following the 12-day long air assault carried out by Israel and the United States in June. This airborne offensive resulted in the destruction of key nuclear infrastructure within Iran. On June 12, the IAEA board highlighted Iran’s violation of non-proliferation commitments; notably, this happened merely a day before Israeli led air strikes over Iran instigated conflict.
Despite the highly charged environment, the IAEA failed to respond promptly on the matter of their agency’s deputy head’s visit, an itinerary of which did not include any scheduled inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Doubt clouds the future outcomes, and it remains uncertain whether there will be a meet-up with Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, as suggested by Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Baghaei, predicting the outcome of these discussions presents a daunting challenge. ‘When we consider the highly specialized nature and complexity of these talks, it is premature to speculate about the possible outcomes,’ stated Baghaei. His comments hinted at his disapproval of the IAEA’s position during the air conflict with Israel in June.
Baghaei regretfully recalled the strikes on Iran during the June conflict, during which the country’s peaceful facilities were targeted while under constant surveillance. He highlighted the agency’s failure to demonstrate a judicious and measured response, and its subsequent silence on condemning the act, as per the requirements. He further noted the IAEA’s ‘unique situation’, offering a veiled critique of the organization’s actions.
Previously, Aragchi had suggested that future involvement with the agency, now subject to the approval of Iran’s pinnacle security body, the Supreme National Security Council, would focus on redefining mutual cooperation mechanisms. Such a decision would potentially, yet significantly, restrict the inspectors’ opportunity to monitor Tehran’s previously weapon-grade uranium enrichment program.
The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, once again commanded a suspension of Iran’s collaboration with the IAEA on July 3. This command came as a reaction to the US’s bombing of three of Iran’s important nuclear facilities while Israel led air strikes against Iran. This violent conflict took a heavy toll on human life, causing nearly 1,100 deaths, including numerous military leaders.
Retribution from Iran was swift, resulting in the death of 28 individuals in Israel. In past negotiations with the West, Iran had limited IAEA inspections as a bargaining strategy. As it stands currently, the timeline and conditions in which the dialogue between Tehran and Washington will resume with regards to Iran’s nuclear program remains shrouded in ambiguity.
Reports from US intelligence agencies and IAEA suggest that the last time Iran had an organized nuclear weapons program was in 2003. However, concerning developments have been observed with Tehran recently enriching uranium to 60%, this is worryingly close to the 90% considered weapons-grade.
The uncertainty of the geopolitical situation leaves the global community in anticipation of the next chapter in Iran-US-Israel relations and Iran’s engagement with the IAEA. It is hoped that calm and reasoned negotiation will replace the recent hostilities, and a return to a stable modus operandi under international law can be instituted. It remains to be seen how these factors will influence the path Iran takes in the coming months.
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