IAEA to Convene in Vienna for Iran Discussion
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors convenes today in Vienna to discuss nuclear security issues.
The group will likely decide whether to censure Iran for impeding the UN nuclear agency’s efforts.
Last week the IAEA released two reports condemning Iran for blocking the agency’s attempts to monitor nuclear activities. The report claimed Iran increased production of enriched uranium while failing to cooperate with inspectors. Iran’s envoy to the IAEA argued that current nuclear production is acceptable within the parameters of Iran’s nonproliferation commitments given ongoing US sanctions.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned the European Council that a censure from the IAEA would prevent Iran from returning to Vienna to continue talks on rejoining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The escalation of tensions negates the likelihood of a return to the nuclear deal as the interests of the US and Iran continue to diverge. The hardline stance of the Raisi government is at fundamental odds with a waning American desire to compromise. Tensions are further heightened by Israeli threats to respond militarily to Iranian nuclear efforts. Unless the IAEA prioritizes collaboration with the new Iranian government, nuclear cooperation will continue to deteriorate.
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