The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board has once again condemned Iran for its failure to fully cooperate with the agency, marking the second such instance in five months. The resolution, supported by France, Germany, Britain, and the United States, was passed with 19 votes in favor, while Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed it.
The resolution focuses on Iran's lack of transparency in a long-standing investigation regarding uranium particles found at undisclosed nuclear sites. The IAEA has urged Tehran to provide credible explanations for the presence of these particles at the Varamin and Turquzabad locations.
Iran's accumulation of uranium enriched up to 60%, just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels, has raised concerns. The IAEA report revealed an increase in Iran's uranium stockpile since August, prompting calls for a comprehensive assessment of Iran's nuclear activities.
The resolution requires Iran to disclose the origin and current location of the nuclear material to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces could indicate past nuclear weapons development, a claim Tehran vehemently denies.
The unresolved questions surrounding the Varamin and Turquzabad sites have been a source of ongoing tensions. The IAEA believes Iran used Varamin as a pilot project for uranium processing from 1999 to 2003, while Turquzabad is linked to the transfer of material from Varamin.
Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and has declared all activities under the Safeguard Agreement with the IAEA. However, the agency's call for access to all Iranian nuclear locations underscores the need for transparency.
The resolution also mandates an updated assessment of Iran's nuclear program by spring 2025, potentially leading to further actions by European nations. The looming expiration of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in October 2025 adds urgency to the situation, with possible sanctions and escalating tensions on the horizon.
