The Director General of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has warned that the international community must not repeat its failure in dealing with North Korea in its approach to Iran’s nuclear program. Grossi emphasized the need to learn from North Korea’s expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and subsequent development of nuclear weapons. Since expelling IAEA inspectors in 2009, North Korea has prevented access to its nuclear facilities, ultimately leading to the IAEA monitoring its activities through satellite imagery.
In contrast, the IAEA still retains regular access to Iran’s declared nuclear facilities. However, due to the erosion of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers over the past five years, Iran has requested the removal of additional monitoring equipment implemented under the agreement. As a result, the IAEA is no longer able to conduct snap inspections at undeclared sites in Iran.
Grossi stressed the crucial role of the IAEA in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program, describing it as the international community’s eyes and ears in the country. Expressing deep concern about Iran’s nuclear activities, Grossi called for a concerted effort to prevent the potential development of nuclear weapons by a country with such capabilities. He cited the failure of international efforts in dealing with North Korea’s nuclear program as a cautionary example.
In his most recent quarterly reports on Iran, Grossi revealed that the Islamic Republic has now enriched enough uranium to reach a purity level of 60%. By the IAEA’s theoretical definition, this is close to the 90% purity required for weapons-grade uranium, potentially allowing for the production of three nuclear bombs. Iran, however, denies any intention to acquire nuclear weapons.
Additionally, the IAEA is currently confronted with several challenges in its relationship with Iran. These include identifying the origin of uranium particles found at two undisclosed sites, reinstalling monitoring equipment that has been removed, and addressing Iran’s recent decision to “de-designate” certain IAEA inspectors.
In conclusion, Grossi urged the international community to prevent the situation in Iran from becoming a failure similar to the one experienced with North Korea. Recognizing the IAEA as the international community’s representative presence in Iran, he emphasized the necessity of taking all necessary measures to prevent a country with nuclear capabilities from developing nuclear weapons.
(Writing by Francois MurphyEditing by Chris Reese and Josie Kao)
