Two undisclosed reports from the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have raised serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities. The concerns revolve around Iran blocking inspections of two suspected locations for over four months.
Key Points of IAEA’s Concern
The IAEA did not publically release these sites’ names, but it mentioned that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has exceeded the agreed limit. According to the IAEA’s concerns, Iran may have used these undisclosed sites to process and convert uranium ore back in 2003. In response, Iran denied these reports stating that these concerns are based on fabricated information from intelligence services. Iran insists its nuclear programs have been peaceful and has never attempted to develop a nuclear weapon.
Rising Tensions Between Iran and USA
Tensions are escalating between Iran and the USA, especially after the USA pulled out of the 2015 international agreement, commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
Iran Nuclear Program and JCPOA
In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 group, which includes world powers like USA, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany, reached an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. This agreement was named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal. According to the terms of this deal, Iran would curb its nuclear activities in exchange for relieving sanctions and gaining access to global trade. Iran is allowed to accumulate small amounts of uranium for research purposes under the agreement, using it to make reactor fuel and nuclear weapons is prohibited.
USA’s Stand on the Issue
However, in May 2018, the USA abandoned the JCPOA criticizing it as flawed and reinstated tightened sanctions. The US aimed to force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil and pressurize Iran into a new nuclear agreement.
Escalating Tensions on the International Arena
Tensions escalated when Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Al-Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was assassinated by the USA during his visit to Iraq. Amid this escalating tension, Britain, France, and Germany declared that Iran was violating the 2015 pact and initiated a dispute mechanism that could eventually refer the matter back to the Security Council and re-impose UN sanctions.
Iran’s Response to the Tightened Sanctions
Since the sanctions were tightened, Iran has been steadily breaking some of its commitments to pressure the remaining signatories to find a way to provide sanctions relief.
The Way Forward
Constructive engagement and peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue are essential for all countries part of the 2015 deal. Both the USA and Iran must show strategic restraint, understanding that any crisis in West Asia will not only affect the region as a whole but also have a substantial impact on global affairs.
