Iran has announced its refusal to comply with inspection demands from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning its nuclear sites that were damaged in recent military strikes. The nation cites a lack of established guidelines for inspecting facilities impacted by such military actions. This decision follows significant military operations conducted by Israel and the United States in June, which targeted key components of Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan.
The aftermath of these strikes has left the condition of Iran’s nuclear facilities uncertain. Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, stated that the IAEA must clarify its stance on whether military attacks on nuclear facilities are permissible. Eslami emphasized that if such attacks are deemed unauthorized, the IAEA should formally condemn them and outline procedures for inspections following military actions.
“If there are established procedures for the post-war situation, the Agency should announce them so that we can act accordingly,” Eslami remarked, as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). He added that Iran has formally requested a clear definition of the steps to be taken if a facility under the IAEA’s safeguards is attacked. Until these guidelines are established, he stated that Iran will not respond to what he described as “political and psychological pressure” or demands to re-inspect the bombed facilities.
In late November, the IAEA urged Iran to fully cooperate with its verification processes, allowing for the oversight of nuclear materials and compliance with international safeguards and United Nations Security Council resolutions. During a recent UN Security Council meeting focused on nuclear non-proliferation, Hedda Samson, deputy head of the European Union delegation, called on Iran to provide updated and verifiable information regarding its nuclear material and related activities.
Concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been echoed by international representatives. Jay Dharmadhikari, France’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, remarked that Iran’s failure to adhere to its international obligations related to its nuclear program poses a significant threat to global peace and security.
Amid these tensions, reports have surfaced indicating that Iran is intensifying efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile program, despite the reintroduction of UN sanctions prohibiting arms sales and ballistic missile activities. Eslami reaffirmed Iran’s position that its nuclear program remains peaceful, focusing on enhancing the country’s technological and scientific capabilities.
The situation continues to develop, with diplomatic engagements ongoing as international bodies seek to address the complexities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the implications of military actions on its facilities.
