UN Nuclear Agency Calls for Access to Iranian Nuclear Sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board passed a resolution on September 28, 2023, urging Iran to provide “full and prompt” cooperation, including access to sensitive nuclear sites. In response, Tehran swiftly rejected the measure, marking a renewed escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog. The resolution comes in the wake of recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian installations, particularly following incidents in June.

IAEA inspectors have not accessed any of the sites damaged in these attacks. The agency’s director general, Rafael Grossi, reiterated on Wednesday the necessity for Iran to allow inspectors into crucial nuclear facilities. The resolution was supported by a coalition of nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, with a voting outcome of 19 in favor, three against, and 12 abstentions.

The resolution emphasizes Iran’s obligations under existing UN Security Council resolutions, insisting it must extend “full and prompt cooperation” to the IAEA. This includes providing information and access as requested by the agency. Following the vote, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the action, asserting that it undermines the IAEA’s credibility and disrupts diplomatic interactions between Iran and the agency.

Araghchi stated, “With this action and disregard for Iran’s interactions and goodwill, these countries have tarnished the IAEA’s credibility and independence.” He firmly rejected requests for UN visits to sites affected by recent bombings, which include the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and the Fordo underground complex. “We only cooperate regarding nuclear facilities that have not been affected, in compliance with IAEA regulations,” he noted on Telegram.

Impact of the Resolution

Iran’s envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, expressed concerns that the resolution would adversely affect relations with the agency. He commented to the press, stating, “This resolution will not add anything to the current situation, will not be helpful, it is counter-productive.” In contrast, Grossi maintained that it would be illogical for such a resolution to lead to diminished cooperation from Iran.

The IAEA has been pressing Iran for access to verify its enriched uranium inventories. A confidential report revealed that Iran possessed approximately 44.9 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium as of June 13, 2023, nearing the 90 percent threshold typically associated with nuclear weapons production. This represents an increase of 32.3 kilograms since mid-May. The agency points out that Iran is the only nation without nuclear weapons that enriches uranium to such levels.

Western powers, alongside Israel, have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, a claim that Iran consistently denies. Grossi stressed on Wednesday, “The stockpile of enriched uranium is still there, so we need to check on that.” He added, “We have performed a number of inspections, but we have not been able to go to the attack sites. I hope we will be able. Indeed, we have to go because this is part of Iran’s commitments.”

The ongoing standoff highlights the complexities of international nuclear agreements and the challenges faced by the IAEA in its verification efforts. As tensions rise, the focus remains on Iran’s nuclear activities and the implications for regional and global security.