On 11 September 2024, Ms. Corinne Kitsell OBE, Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to IAEA delivered a joint statement on behalf of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States (the Quad) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran regime’s compliance with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement. The statement, made before the IAEA Board of Governors, highlighted significant concerns about Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA and its failure to address outstanding issues related to its nuclear program.
Commendation of the IAEA and Director General Grossi
Kitsell began by thanking Director General Rafael Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat for their continued efforts to verify Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations under the NPT. She emphasized the professionalism, independence, and impartiality of the IAEA in its work, particularly in seeking clarification from Iran on the “correctness and completeness” of its declarations.
Despite these efforts, Kitsell noted that the IAEA remains unable to assure that Iran’s nuclear program is solely peaceful due to Iran’s longstanding failure to resolve key issues.
No Progress on Long-Standing Issues
The statement expressed deep concern over Iran’s continued refusal to provide credible explanations for undeclared nuclear material and activities at two specific sites—Turquzabad and Varamin. Kitsell pointed out that Iran’s actions contradict its legal obligations under the NPT Safeguards Agreement and its commitments under the Joint Statement of March 2023.
Iran’s Refusal to Apply Modified Code 3.1
A key issue raised was Iran’s ongoing refusal to apply modified Code 3.1 as part of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. This legal obligation cannot be unilaterally suspended or modified by Iran. The refusal, Kitsell explained, prevents the IAEA from obtaining early design information for new nuclear facilities, which is crucial for preparing safeguards. Given Iran’s history of undeclared nuclear facilities and unresolved questions surrounding its nuclear intentions, this refusal fuels further doubts about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Concerning Findings on Uranium Discrepancies
Kitsell went on to highlight additional concerns raised in the Director General’s report, including discrepancies in uranium material. The IAEA discovered that the amount of uranium contained in waste sent from the Jaber Ibn Hayan Multipurpose Laboratory (JHL) to the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) was less than declared by Iran in 2003–2004. Furthermore, the IAEA found discrepancies in the amount of nuclear material unaccounted for during uranium metal experiments conducted at JHL between 1995 and 2000. Kitsell commended the IAEA’s diligence in investigating these discrepancies and urged Iran to fully cooperate to resolve the matter.
De-Designation of IAEA Inspectors
The Quad also condemned Iran’s decision not to reverse its de-designation of several of the IAEA’s most experienced inspectors, despite repeated requests. This decision, Kitsell remarked, undermines the IAEA’s ability to conduct effective verification activities in Iran, making its independent technical work subject to political interpretation. This action, she said, runs counter to Iran’s stated desire for positive engagement with the Agency, as agreed upon in the March 2023 Joint Statement.
Calls for Full Compliance
Kitsell reiterated that Iran must implement its safeguards obligations in full and without delay. She warned that the continued existence of unresolved issues casts doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and risks undermining the broader global non-proliferation architecture.
The Quad expressed frustration over Iran’s five-year pattern of non-cooperation with the IAEA, reminding the Board of Governors that four resolutions have been passed since 2020, most recently in June 2024, calling on Iran to engage in good faith.
Board of Governors’ Patience Wearing Thin
Kitsell made it clear that the patience of the Board of Governors is running out. Should Iran continue to stonewall the IAEA, further action might be necessary. This could include a request for the Director General to compile a Comprehensive Report assessing all relevant information, which could lead to further steps, including invoking Article 19 of Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA).
However, Kitsell emphasized that this action could still be avoided if Iran chooses to fully and unambiguously cooperate with the IAEA.
