The recent development in Iran’s nuclear activities and its relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been making headlines internationally. The flurry of actions began with Iran’s Parliament decision to limit access to inspectors unless U.S. sanctions were lifted, prompting an agreement between Iran and the IAEA for temporary measures. This article delves into the key points about this agreement, its significance, the 2015 nuclear deal that led to it, and further details on the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Key Aspects of the Temporary Measures
On the 23rd of February 2021, Iran officially put a stop to the voluntary measures stipulated in the 2015 nuclear deal. Despite this, the nation will carry on implementing its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA as had been done in the past. According to this agreement, the IAEA has both the right and obligation to ensure safeguards are applied to all nuclear material under the control of Iran. This is done with the sole aim of verifying the absence of diversion to nuclear weapons or related explosives. There won’t be access given to the IAEA beyond the safeguards of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran expressed its intention to withhold real-time access to footage from surveillance cameras installed at various sites from IAEA. If sanctions aren’t lifted within three months, the footage will be deleted.
Significance of the Deal
This deal undoubtedly serves to defuse an escalating sense of crisis regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. It also aids in rejuvenating the 2015 nuclear deal. The impact of a new Iranian law passed in 2020, which could have severely hindered the IAEA’s work, finds significant reduction through this deal.
Details of the 2015 Nuclear Deal
In 2015, Iran, together with P5+1 group world powers – the USA, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany secured a long-term deal regarding its nuclear programme. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or simply as Iran Nuclear Deal, it stipulated that Iran would curb its nuclear activity in exchange for lifting sanctions and gaining access to global trade. This deal allowed Iran to accumulate small amounts of uranium for research, but prohibited the enrichment of uranium used to make reactor fuel or nuclear weapons. International inspections compliance was also part of the agreement.
The Impact of USA Abandoning the Deal in 2018
In May 2018, the USA exited the deal. It criticized it as flawed and subsequently reinstated and tightened its sanctions on Iran. As a result, Iran started breaching some of its commitments to pressure the other signatories into providing sanctions relief. The USA maintained that it would force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil and put pressure on Iran to negotiate a new nuclear accord.
International Atomic Energy Agency’s Stand
A 2018 report by the IAEA concluded that Iran’s stockpile of uranium and heavy water, as well as its application of additional protocols, were in line with the agreement.
International Atomic Energy Agency: An Overview
The IAEA is globally acknowledged as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family. It is the international hub for cooperation in the nuclear field. Established in 1957, it was created in response to the deep fears and expectations prompted by the diverse uses of nuclear technology. It operates from Vienna, Austria with the objective of promoting safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. In 2005, it won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work towards a safe and peaceful world. The agency, being independent, reports annually to the United Nation General Assembly along with necessary reports to the UN Security Council regarding non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations by members.
