In a joint statement delivered to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (collectively known as the E3) expressed grave concerns about Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and its non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).
The statement emphasized the E3’s continued support for a diplomatic solution while urging Iran to return to its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA.
The E3 began by thanking IAEA Director General Grossi for his thorough report on Iran’s nuclear program.
They commended the IAEA for its professional, independent, and impartial inspection and reporting activities.
The E3 stressed the importance of the Director General keeping the Board updated on all pertinent activities and developments regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Escalating Nuclear Activities
The E3 highlighted that Iran continues to expand its proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities, moving further away from its JCPoA commitments.
According to the IAEA’s report, Iran has significantly exceeded its JCPoA limits on enriched uranium, now possessing 30 times the allowed quantity.
Additionally, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, enriched up to 60%, has grown considerably.
This amount is defined by the IAEA as a significant quantity that could potentially be used to manufacture a nuclear explosive device.
The report also noted that Iran is preparing for new enrichment capacities at the Fuel Enrichment Plant with plans to install new cascades of centrifuges.
The E3 reiterated concerns about Iran’s previous work on uranium metal, a critical step in developing a nuclear weapon, and urged Iran to cease such activities.
Impact on IAEA Verification and Monitoring
The E3 pointed out that the IAEA’s ability to verify and monitor Iran’s nuclear activities has been severely hampered by Iran’s refusal to adhere to its JCPoA commitments.
This includes Iran’s decision to remove all JCPoA-related surveillance and monitoring equipment, resulting in a loss of continuity of knowledge regarding Iran’s centrifuge production, inventory of rotors and bellows, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate (UOC). Consequently, the IAEA lacks information on the number and locations of centrifuges in Iran.
Further complicating the situation, Iran ceased applying its Additional Protocol over three years ago and has not reversed its decision to withdraw the designations for experienced inspectors. These actions hinder the IAEA’s ability to provide assurances about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Actions
The E3 reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution, noting that Iran had twice rejected negotiated outcomes in 2022 that would have restored its compliance with the JCPoA. Instead, Iran has chosen to escalate its nuclear activities. The E3 urged Iran to take several immediate steps:
- Halt nuclear escalation and cease threats to produce nuclear weapons.
- Return to the JCPoA limits, especially regarding uranium enrichment.
- Implement transparency and cooperation measures with the IAEA, including re-applying all transparency measures halted in February 2021.
- Re-implement and swiftly ratify its Additional Protocol.
- Reverse the September 2023 decision to withdraw designations for experienced inspectors.
These measures are essential for rebuilding trust between Iran and the international community, trust that has been further eroded by recent statements from Iran about its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and potential changes in its nuclear doctrine.
The E3 concluded by stressing that Iran’s escalating nuclear activities threaten international security and undermine global non-proliferation efforts.
They pledged to continue consultations with international partners to address growing concerns about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, remaining committed to using all diplomatic means to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
They also called for the IAEA Director General to keep the Board of Governors informed and to make his reports on Iran’s nuclear activities public.
Key Takeaways
- Iran has significantly exceeded its JCPoA limits on enriched uranium.
- The IAEA’s monitoring capabilities have been severely hampered by Iran’s non-compliance.
- The E3 urges Iran to halt nuclear escalation and return to JCPoA commitments.
- Diplomatic efforts continue, but Iran’s recent actions have further eroded international trust.
History of Iran’s Suspicious and Malign Nuclear Activities
Iran’s nuclear programhas long been a source of international concern. Since the revelation of its clandestine uranium enrichment facilities in 2002, Iran has been suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program.
Despite signing the JCPoA in 2015, which imposed strict limits and monitoring to prevent nuclear weapons development, Iran has repeatedly violated these commitments.
Notably, in 2018, after the US withdrew from the agreement, Iran began increasing its uranium enrichment levels and stockpiles beyond the JCPoA limits.
Iran’s refusal to fully cooperate with the IAEA and its steps towards producing uranium metal further exacerbate concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
These actions undermine regional and global security, emphasizing the need for robust and decisive efforts and international oversight to prevent the regime from its nuclear ambitions.
