The governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have welcomed the adoption of a new resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. The resolution highlights Iran's continued failure to provide the IAEA with essential information and cooperation to clarify outstanding issues related to undeclared nuclear material found at several sites in the country.
According to a joint statement, issued on Sunday (Washington local time), the IAEA has long been unable to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities due to these unresolved issues, which are critical for ensuring compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The IAEA’s Safeguards Agreement requires Iran to fully cooperate with the agency and account for all nuclear materials and activities.
The latest resolution builds on a previous one from June 2024, which stated that if Iran did not offer full and transparent cooperation, further action would be necessary. Despite numerous efforts by the IAEA Director General to engage in dialogue with Iran, the country has not addressed the concerns raised, responding instead with threats and provocations.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Quad countries stressed that it is urgent for Iran to resolve these long-standing issues. They also expressed their concern over Iran’s announcement on November 22, 2024, that it plans to further expand its nuclear programme, a move that they argue lacks any credible peaceful justification.
The resolution urges Iran to engage in constructive dialogue with the IAEA to allow for a comprehensive update on the agency’s findings over the past five years. If Iran continues to refuse cooperation, the IAEA Board has indicated that further steps may be required to address Iran’s non-compliance, which could undermine the global nuclear safeguards regime and international security.
The Quad nations emphasized that the path of dialogue and cooperation remains open, and they expect Iran to take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
