IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections

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Context

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have settled on transitional proposals to minimize Iran's decision to deny access to inspectors. In December 2020, Iran's parliament passed a law authorizing such inspectors to be dismissed if the US failed to lift the sanctions.

Key Points

• Iran will, from 23 February 2021 onwards, avoid enforcing the voluntary steps envisaged in the 2015 nuclear agreement.

• However, Iran will continue to enforce entirely and without restriction, as before, its Robust Safeguards Arrangement with the IAEA.

• Under a comprehensive safeguards agreement, the IAEA has the right and obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all nuclear material in the territory, jurisdiction or control of the State for the exclusive purpose of verifying that such material is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive.

Significance of the Deal:

• It definitely seems likely to defuse the increasing sense of crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear activities and attempts to breathe new life into the 2015 nuclear agreement.

• It greatly limits the effect of a recent Iranian law passed in 2020, which would have severely inhibited the IAEA's ability to carry out its work.

About International Atomic Energy Agency:

• The IAEA was set up in 1957 in response to the profound concerns and aspirations of the discoveries and diverse applications of nuclear energy.

• It is the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technological collaboration in the nuclear sector and is commonly recognized as the "Atoms for Peace and Development" body of the United Nations family.

• The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners to promote the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.