Iran has declared its refusal to allow inspections of its bombed nuclear sites unless the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishes clear guidelines for such evaluations. This announcement follows significant military actions in June 2023, when both Israel and the United States targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, including key sites at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan.
The extent of the damage to these facilities and their current operational status remains uncertain. In response to the IAEA’s requests for access, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, emphasized the need for the agency to clarify whether military strikes on nuclear sites are permissible under international regulations. He stated, “If there are established procedures for the post-war situation, the Agency should announce them so that we can act accordingly,” according to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Clarification Demanded from IAEA
Eslami further asserted that if military attacks on nuclear facilities are deemed unauthorized, the IAEA should formally condemn such actions and outline proper procedures for inspections following military conflicts. He noted, “Until this issue is clarified, political and psychological pressure, as well as irrelevant demands to re-inspect the bombed facilities and complete the enemy’s operations, will not be accepted and will receive no response.”
In late November 2023, the IAEA called on Iran to enhance its cooperation, urging the country to allow verification of nuclear materials and comply with international safeguards and United Nations Security Council directives. During a recent UN Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation, the European Union’s deputy head, Hedda Samson, reiterated the need for Iran to provide updated and verifiable declarations regarding its nuclear material and activities.
Concerns over Iran’s nuclear program were echoed by Jay Dharmadhikari, France’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, who stated that Iran’s failure to adhere to its international obligations poses a serious threat to global peace and security.
Continued Tensions and Military Developments
In addition to the ongoing disputes with the IAEA, reports have emerged suggesting that Iran is intensifying its ballistic missile program. This development occurs despite the recent reintroduction of United Nations sanctions that restrict arms sales and ballistic missile activities in the country.
Eslami has maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, aimed at enhancing the nation’s technological and scientific capacities. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains watchful of Iran’s actions and their implications for regional and global security.
The situation underscores the complexities surrounding nuclear oversight and the challenges posed by military interventions in sensitive areas. As the dialogue between Iran and the IAEA evolves, the potential for further diplomatic engagement remains critical in addressing these pressing issues.
