In brief
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog confirmed that its inspectors have departed Iran after the country suspended collaboration, raising alarms about its nuclear ambitions amid ongoing military conflicts with Israel.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Friday that its inspectors have left Iran, just days after the country ceased its cooperation with the organization. This decision, made by Iran's president through a newly enacted law, obstructs international scrutiny of Iran's controversial nuclear program. The timing is critical, as global experts express concerns that increased military pressure on Iran might prompt the nation to advance its nuclear efforts clandestinely, complicating oversight.The IAEA issued a statement indicating that the inspection team safely returned to Vienna amid the backdrop of military hostilities. Previous tensions between Iran and the IAEA escalated following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, involving U.S. military engagement. Iran's officials have expressed frustration, suggesting that IAEA's critical stance provided Israel with justifications for its aggressive actions, which included targeting nuclear sites and the deaths of Iranian scientists. While there is uncertainty about the level of damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear capabilities, former President Trump claimed that U.S. airstrikes, along with Israeli actions over a two-week battle, “obliterated” parts of the program. Contrastingly, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi cautioned that although Iran's uranium stockpile remains improperly accounted for, the program may be temporarily disrupted rather than entirely dismantled. Concerns remain over Iran's stockpile of roughly 882 pounds of highly enriched uranium—a material that could potentially facilitate the construction of multiple nuclear weapons despite Iran's claims of pursuing a peaceful nuclear agenda. Grossi underscored the urgent need for dialogue with Iran to restore IAEA's inspection efforts. Meanwhile, Iranian lawmakers have outlined conditions for resuming cooperation, emphasizing the need for enhanced security for their nuclear operations and a recognition of their legal rights to uranium enrichment. Additionally, Iranian officials have signaled openness to engage in negotiations with the U.S., as stated by deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who expressed a commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.
