The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency has given a bleak assessment of international efforts to monitor and verify Iran’s nuclear program. The agency’s work on verification and monitoring has been seriously affected by Iran’s decision to stop implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). The quarterly reports obtained by CBS News highlight the exacerbation of the situation due to Iran’s removal of all surveillance and monitoring equipment related to the JCPOA. Despite talks with Iran, no progress has been made in reinstalling surveillance cameras or addressing concerns about traces of uranium found at previous sites. The lack of progress will be presented at the upcoming IAEA board meeting, which coincides with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s attendance at the U.N. General Assembly.
Six months ago, an agreement was reached between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Iranian officials, in which Iran agreed to implement further verification and monitoring. However, subsequent reports by the IAEA have stated that access to data and recordings collected by surveillance equipment has been denied, and no monitoring has taken place since the removal of the equipment. While there has been some limited progress in monitoring, it has not met the requirements of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran’s enrichment of uranium up to 60% purity has continued, albeit at a slower pace. This slowdown is seen by some as a small concession, as Iran’s stockpile of highly-enriched uranium has grown by only 7% compared to 30% in the previous quarter. However, concerns remain that Iran is trying to cover up clandestine work towards a nuclear weapons program.
Despite the slowdown, the U.S. and its allies believe Iran is getting too close to the theoretical ability to produce nuclear weapons. The IAEA reports emphasize that Iran’s decision to remove monitoring equipment has had detrimental implications for providing assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
As negotiations continue, these reports pose challenges for U.S. negotiators who are working on a prisoner swap and releasing Iranian assets. The publication of these reports also comes after top U.S. negotiator Rob Malley stepped down from his role.
Overall, while there remains some ambiguity surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, the lack of progress in monitoring and verification raises concerns about its peaceful nature.
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