IAEA inspectors have departed from Iran
Recent developments in the Iran-IAEA negotiations have been marked by escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, resulting in the withdrawal of IAEA inspectors from Iran and the cancellation of planned rounds of US-Iran nuclear talks.
The most significant event that triggered this escalation was the unprovoked attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, which occurred on June 13 and June 22. While the entities responsible for these strikes were not explicitly identified, the context suggests that they were the US and Israel. Dmitry Peskov, the Russian President's press secretary, has stated that this attack was a direct consequence of the unprovoked attack on Iran, an unprecedented move in the region.
On June 28, Iranian parliamentary deputy speaker Hamid-Reza Hajj Babai announced that Tehran would no longer provide access to its nuclear sites for the IAEA chief. This decision followed the IAEA Board of Governors' resolution in June, finding Iran non-compliant with its nuclear safeguards obligations for the first time since 2005. Iran responded by announcing measures to accelerate its nuclear program, citing the resolution as politically motivated.
As a result of these events, the IAEA has withdrawn all inspectors from Iran due to safety concerns and death threats against IAEA Director Rafael Grossi. This move effectively ends international oversight of Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA continues to emphasize its commitment to nuclear safety and security, but its ability to monitor Iran's nuclear activities has been severely impaired.
Despite heightened tensions, diplomatic channels remain open, with ongoing discussions between Iran and international parties, including the United States, the E3 (UK, France, and Germany), China, and Russia. Senior Iranian officials are reiterating red lines ahead of planned nuclear negotiations with the US.
However, Dmitry Peskov has not provided further details about the nature or extent of the damage caused to Iran's nuclear facilities by the strikes, nor has he mentioned any potential impact of Iran's decision on the international community or global security. Similarly, he has not mentioned any specific response from Iran other than the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.
The conflict between Iran and Israel lasted 12 days, ending on the morning of June 24 with a ceasefire. In a few days, the Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, stated that Tehran considers the IAEA one of the parties responsible for the attack by Israel and the US on Iran.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of the Iran-IAEA talks and broader nuclear negotiations.
War-and-conflicts between Iran and Israel escalated significantly, with the unprovoked attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13 and June 22, likely perpetrated by the US and Israel. These attacks have resulted in political implications, as Iran announced it will no longer provide access to its nuclear sites for the IAEA chief and the IAEA has withdrawn all inspectors due to safety concerns and death threats.
