Challenges Before IAEA After Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Syllabus: GS2/IR

In News

• Iran is considering a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the agency’s alleged failure to remain impartial and fulfill its obligations. 

Background 

• The announcement came as the IAEA convened an emergency Board of Governors meeting in Vienna following the U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and Israel’s earlier strike on the Arak Heavy Water Reactor.
• Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapon state.
  • In that capacity, it had to mandatorily enter into a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA, which allows the organisation to install its own equipment to monitor activities, including radiation levels.
• Iran accuses the IAEA of becoming a political tool and insists it will not resume cooperation without “objective guarantees.”

International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)

• It is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. 
• It was established in 1957, inspired by the U.S. President Eisenhower’s 1953 “Atoms for Peace” speech to the UN, aiming to address global concerns and hopes surrounding nuclear technology.
• It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Emerging Challenges 

• The recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran’s operational nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow mark an unprecedented escalation, raising serious global concerns. 
• The situation threatens to undermine the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA’s role, with growing tensions, damaged diplomatic channels, and increased risk of nuclear escalation.
  • IAEA currently lacks access to the attacked sites.
• The disruption of IAEA oversight could make it difficult to verify the location and status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which includes 400 kg enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade level. 
• The situation poses significant risks for nuclear safety and non-proliferation efforts worldwide.

India’s Perspective 

• India expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in West Asia, particularly the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• Emphasizing the importance of nuclear safety due to potential risks to public health and the environment, India urged the IAEA to provide updates on damage and radiation levels. 
• The Indian envoy called for maximum restraint from all parties and affirmed India’s readiness to offer support.

Way Forward 

• In the present scenario, the IAEA must navigate a complex mix of technical, political, and security challenges to preserve its mandate and prevent a wider nuclear crisis.

Source: TH