The Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA) dates again to 1957 and was arrange in response to world fears following the primary use of nuclear and atomic weapons and alarm over the arrival and unfold of nuclear know-how. An autonomous a part of the United Nations system, it really works on points as diverse as meals security, most cancers management and sustainable growth – and in addition on selling peaceable makes use of of nuclear power.
One other principal duty, maybe much less effectively understood, is the company’s framework of nuclear ‘safeguards’ agreements. These agreements are voluntarily entered into by international locations and are key to stopping the unfold of nuclear weapons by independently verifying whether or not international locations are assembly their non-proliferation commitments. As of 2024, some 182 international locations have safeguards agreements with the IAEA.
© IAEA/Dean Calma
IAEA Director Basic Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers remarks on the army motion launched by Israel which incorporates assaults on nuclear amenities in Iran.
In a June 9 deal with to the company’s board, IAEA Director Basic Rafael Grossi laid out troubling findings, elevating recent considerations about Iran’s compliance with world nuclear agreements.
“Iran has repeatedly both not answered” IAEA requests “or not supplied technically credible solutions,” Mr. Grossi instructed the 35-nation board on Monday. Moreover, he stated, Iran has sought to “sanitise the places,” which the company has now concluded had been a part of a “structured” nuclear programme within the early 2000s.
“Until and till Iran assists the company in resolving the excellent safeguards points, the Company won’t be able to supply assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is solely peaceable,” he stated.
Mr. Grossi expressed alarm on the fast accumulation of over 400 kilogrammes of extremely enriched uranium, which has critical implications (extremely enriched uranium is among the crucial parts for the creation of a nuclear bomb).
The assertion to the board underlined the numerous function the IAEA performs in Iran, which may be damaged down into 4 fundamental areas.
1. Monitoring
The company makes use of safeguard agreements beneath the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a key worldwide accord designed to stop the unfold of nuclear weapons. The overwhelming majority of safeguards agreements are these which have been concluded by the IAEA with non-nuclear-weapon States. Nevertheless, safeguards are applied in three States that aren’t celebration to the NPT – India, Pakistan and Israel – on the idea of item-specific agreements they’ve concluded with the IAEA.
As a non-nuclear armed signatory to the treaty, Iran is banned from buying nuclear weapons and is required to permit the IAEA to examine and confirm all nuclear supplies and actions, together with at quick discover, if requested.
The company often inspects Iran’s nuclear amenities, together with websites like Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The intention is to make sure that nuclear supplies are solely used for peaceable means and will not be diverted for weapons use.
On 9 June, Mr. Grossi famous that man-made uranium particles had been discovered at three extra, undeclared websites (Varamin, Marivan and Turquzabad). Iran, he stated, had failed to supply “technically credible explanations” for the presence of the particles, regardless of years of consultations.
UN Picture/Loey Felipe
Rafael Grossi (on display), Director Basic of the Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA), briefs the UN Safety Council assembly on Iran.
2. Reporting
The company often studies to its Board of Governors on the nuclear actions of Iran (and different international locations), utilizing strategies reminiscent of inspections, monitoring gear, environmental sampling, and satellite tv for pc imagery to assemble knowledge and put together technical studies. Within the case of nations beneath particular scrutiny – reminiscent of Iran – these studies are usually issued each quarter.
If Iran – or any non-nuclear weapon nation celebration to the NPT – fails to adjust to the IAEA’s necessities (for instance, by limiting entry or not explaining the presence of uranium particles), the company can report Iran to the UN Safety Council, which can result in diplomatic strain, sanctions or requires additional negotiations.
© IAEA
IAEA Director Basic Rafael Grossi (2nd left) visiting the Natanz and Fordow nuclear amenities.
3. Diplomatic engagement
The IAEA continuously requires diplomatic options and emphasises the significance of dialogue to resolve considerations about Iran’s nuclear intentions. Director Basic Grossi has engaged straight with Iranian authorities and worldwide stakeholders to keep up communication and transparency.
Addressing the Safety Council on June 13, Mr. Grossi stated that his company was in fixed contact with the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to evaluate the standing of affected amenities and decide broader impacts on nuclear security and safety.
4. Security and safety oversight
It is a essential a part of the IAEA’s broader mission to stop nuclear accidents, make sure that nuclear power is used for peaceable functions, and defend individuals and the surroundings.
The IAEA works with the Iranian authorities to make sure that nuclear amenities like Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan function safely, by assessing the design and operation of the amenities, monitoring radiation safety measures, and evaluating emergency preparedness.
After the June 2025 Israeli strikes, the IAEA confirmed that Natanz had been impacted however reported no elevated radiation ranges. Nevertheless, it emphasised that any army assault on nuclear amenities is a violation of worldwide legislation and poses critical dangers to security and the surroundings.
