Iran Suspends Cooperation with UN Nuclear Watchdog Amid US, Israeli Airstrikes
Iran, in a significant move, has suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), raising global concerns about the future of its nuclear program. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian enacted the law suspending cooperation with the IAEA, following recent airstrikes from the US and Israel on Iran's most crucial nuclear facilities. The IAEA is the United Nations agency responsible for monitoring nuclear programs of countries that are signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Background and Context
In the aftermath of the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA has been approved by its president. The legislation aims to ensure full support for the inherent rights
of Iran, particularly with regards to uranium enrichment. The IAEA has stated that it is awaiting further official information
from Tehran on the matter.
Developments and Details
Iran's decision has raised concerns over the potential resumption of uranium enrichment activities, with the IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, stating that Iran could rebuild its nuclear program within a few months. According to Grossi, despite the serious level of damage
inflicted by the airstrikes, Iran's industrial capabilities remain intact. He added that even Iranians likely do not yet know the extent of the damage.
Moreover, Grossi admitted that the IAEA does not know the whereabouts of Iran's enriched uranium stocks or how much was destroyed in the airstrikes. More than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, which could potentially be used for building nuclear weapons, remains unaccounted for.
Reactions and Implications
This move by Iran has been met with widespread concern. UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, described it as concerning, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, criticized the US and Israel for undermining the credibility of the IAEA, stating that the agency’s information was used to plan attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian justified the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA as a natural reaction
to Grossi's biased, unconstructive, and destructive conduct,
which he believes paved the way for the recent aggression on Iran's civilian nuclear facilities. Iran is also considering banning IAEA chief Grossi from entering the country, after rejecting his request to visit the nuclear sites.
Conclusion: Current Status
The situation remains tense as the international community awaits Iran's next moves. The uncertainty surrounding the status and location of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles adds to the unease surrounding the future of Iran's nuclear program. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches with bated breath, highlighting the significant implications of Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA.