After the US launched a series of attacks on three critical nuclear facilities in Iran, while Israel simultaneously engaged in aerial combat, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian decreed on July 3 that the nation would cease its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Iranian Foreign Ministry anticipates that future discussions with the IAEA will involve intricate and technically demanding propositions, following the unprecedented move to sever ties with the agency in the previous month.
Iran’s connection with the IAEA was strained following a 12-day aerial bombardment led by Israel and the US in June, which resulted in extensive damage to Iran’s major nuclear installations. A pronouncement by the IAEA board, a day before the initiation of Israel’s strafing of Iran that led to war, stated that Iran had failed to honor its nonproliferation obligations.
The agency’s deputy head will be visiting the region, marking the first instance since the cessation of diplomatic ties took place last month. However, the IAEA refrained from releasing an immediate statement regarding this high-level visit, including noting that the itinerary will not contain plans for access to the nuclear sites of Iran.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, imparted to journalists that a meeting with the Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi was a possibility but caveated that the outcome of the prospective talks remained uncertain due to their technically complex nature.
Baghaei further expressed discontent over the IAEA’s lack of firm response during the Israel-led June war. Commenting on the targeting of facilities under round-the-clock surveillance, Baghaei criticized the IAEA for a lack of severe condemnation which, he believed, such an act warranted.
Aragchi had, in previous statements, implied that collaboration with the agency, which will now have to be sanctioned by Iran’s top security panel, the Supreme National Security Council, might hinge on redefining cooperation modalities between both parties.
This decision stands to potentially handcuff the inspectors’ ability to effectively monitor Tehran’s ongoing nuclear program, which has been responsible for the enrichment of uranium to near weapon-grade levels.
On July 3, the President, Pezeshkian, announced a blanket halt on collaboration with the IAEA subsequent to the bombing of significant Iranian nuclear spots by the US, combined with Israel’s air assault. This skirmish led to the death toll rising to almost 1,100, many of whom were military officers.
The Iranian counter-attack claimed the lives of 28 individuals in Israel. Historically, Iran has selectively permitted the IAEA to execute inspections, leveraging it as a negotiation tactic when dealing with Western nations.
The timelines and conditions for the resumption of talks between Tehran and Washington, focusing on a deal concerning Iran’s nuclear program, remain clouded. Despite last having a formally recognized nuclear weapons program back in 2003, as assessed by US intelligence establishments and the IAEA, Iran has been known to enrich uranium reaching up to 60% concentration.
This state implies that Iran is barely a minimal technical advancement away from obtaining weapons-grade levels of uranium enrichment, which would typically necessitate a 90% concentration. Given the current fragility of international relations, such progress in Iran’s nuclear program is viewed with substantial concern by the international community.
Iran’s move to put a full stop on its association with the IAEA mainly comes as a reaction to the aggressive actions taken by the US and Israel. Important Iranian nuclear facilities were targeted in these skirmishes, escalating the tensions in the region.
The ongoing situation further muddles the path ahead for diplomatic discussions. While the potential for future technical talks is existent as indicated by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the nature and outcomes of such communication are as yet uncertain.
Continued disruptions in the region, including military strikes and retaliation, jeopardize the possibility of a resolution through dialogues. Furthermore, the stand taken by Iran to limit IAEA inspections amps up the threat of potential escalation.
All of these events collectively contribute to a high-pressure environment, clouding the future of nuclear deals, and consequently, peace not only in the tense regions but also on the global front.
The post Iran Ceases Collaboration with IAEA Amidst US and Israeli Attacks appeared first on Real News Now.
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