Iran Seeks IAEA Resolution Amid Nuclear Inspection Support from Security Council

Iran is actively pursuing a resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities, as its Supreme National Security Council has voiced support for nuclear inspections following strikes by the United States and Israel during a recent conflict. The backdrop of these developments is the ongoing tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and its compliance with international agreements.

Background on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been a point of contention for years, particularly since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Donald Trump. This withdrawal resulted in the reinstatement of harsh sanctions against Iran, which has since maintained that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes. However, the IAEA has adopted multiple resolutions condemning Iran’s noncompliance with international nuclear safeguards, further complicating the situation.

Iran’s Position on Inspections

Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), recently arrived in Vienna for the 69th General Conference of the IAEA. In statements to Iranian state media, Eslami emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the IAEA’s actions, particularly those of its director, Rafael Grossi, which have raised doubts about the agency’s credibility. He criticized what he perceived as a double standard in the agency’s responses to international incidents, noting that Grossi has condemned attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant but has not taken a similar stance regarding attacks on Iran.

Eslami’s remarks came in the wake of increased hostilities, beginning with Israeli strikes on Iranian targets shortly after the IAEA reported Iran’s noncompliance with its nuclear commitments. As a result of these attacks, Iran has accused the IAEA of facilitating a conflict that has led to significant loss of life and extensive damage within its borders.

Supreme National Security Council’s Stance

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has made it clear that if Western nations were to reinstate stringent UN sanctions, Iran would halt inspections altogether. The council stated that IAEA inspectors currently lack access to sites beyond the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, and Iranian authorities are evaluating the safety of inspecting bombed facilities, which are located deep underground.

In light of these tensions, the council has signaled its intent to support nuclear inspections, provided that hostile actions against Iran are not taken. It has also highlighted the need for a resolution that protects nuclear facilities from military attacks, referencing past IAEA resolutions from 1985 and 1990 that emphasized the importance of safeguarding nuclear installations.

Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges

Iran’s deputy nuclear chief, Behrouz Kamalvandi, who is also in Vienna for the conference, has indicated that the United States is exerting pressure on IAEA member states to block the proposed resolution. He noted that the US has even threatened to cut off assistance to the agency if the resolution moves forward.

Despite these challenges, Iranian officials are optimistic about the outcome of their diplomatic efforts. Just last week, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached an agreement with the IAEA in Cairo to resume nuclear inspections that had been halted due to the bombings.

However, there are significant divisions within Iran regarding the continuation of inspections. Hardliners in the Iranian parliament express concerns that allowing further inspections could provoke additional military actions from the US and Israel. These internal disagreements complicate Iran’s position as it navigates international scrutiny and the potential for renewed sanctions.

The IAEA Conference and Future Prospects

As the IAEA General Conference commences, Iranian officials plan to engage in discussions with representatives from the agency’s 180 member states. However, they acknowledge that it is possible the resolution they aim to propose may not even be brought to a vote.

Kamalvandi has stated that the resolution will seek to ban attacks on nuclear facilities, although the specific language and full text have not yet been disclosed. He pointed out that even if the resolution is not adopted, it would still highlight the damage done to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Iranian Supreme National Security Council has expressed its endorsement of the deal with the IAEA, which includes inspections of all relevant facilities, including those that have been bombed. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complex dynamics of international diplomacy.

Key Facts

– Iran is seeking a resolution at the IAEA to prohibit attacks on nuclear facilities.
– The Supreme National Security Council of Iran supports nuclear inspections but warns that hostile actions will halt these arrangements.
– Mohammad Eslami, head of the AEOI, criticized the IAEA’s perceived double standards in its responses to international incidents.
– The US is reportedly pressuring member states to block Iran’s proposed resolution.
– Internal divisions within Iran complicate the response to international scrutiny regarding its nuclear program.
– The IAEA General Conference is currently taking place in Vienna, where Iranian officials are engaging with other member states.

Source: www.aljazeera.com