The Quad, represented by UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell, expressed concerns about Iran’s noncompliance with its NPT Safeguards Agreement during the IAEA Board meeting. Despite requests for cooperation and clarifications regarding undeclared nuclear material, Iran has continuously refused to provide necessary information. The Quad emphasized the significance of a comprehensive assessment by the IAEA to address these issues and called for Iran to cooperate fully to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
In a statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board, UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell spoke on behalf of France, Germany, the UK, and the United States (the Quad) regarding Iran’s obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. The Quad commended the IAEA for its efforts in engaging Iran to clarify outstanding nuclear issues and thanked the Director General for his report on Iran’s nuclear program.
The Quad expressed significant regret that Iran has not provided necessary clarifications about nuclear material found at undeclared sites over the past five years. Despite repeated calls for cooperation, Iran has failed to comply, hindering the IAEA’s ability to assure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. This noncompliance raises concerns about Iran’s safeguards obligations and the broader non-proliferation framework.
Key areas of concern highlighted in the report include undeclared activities at sites such as Turquzabad and Lavisan-Shian. The IAEA’s inability to resolve these issues is exacerbated by Iran’s ongoing challenge to the IAEA’s technical assessments and lack of transparency. The Quad reiterated its support for the IAEA’s crucial role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.
Furthermore, the IAEA Director General noted Iran’s refusal to provide essential design information for new nuclear facilities, violating its safeguards agreement. Iran’s rejection of four experienced inspectors adds to concerns regarding the Agency’s verification capabilities. This noncompliance is troubling, particularly amid Iran’s escalating nuclear program without credible civilian reasoning.
The Quad urged Iran to finally meet its obligations instead of offering vague promises of future discussions. It emphasized that the Board must reinforce the need for clarity regarding Iran’s nuclear program, invoking previous resolutions that Iran has ignored. A comprehensive assessment by the Director General is expected to evaluate the potential presence of undeclared nuclear material in Iran.
The Quad underlined the urgency of Iran providing credible explanations and cooperation to resolve outstanding issues. Although Iran has had ample opportunity to progress, no advancements have been reported in recent months. The Quad expressed that they are prepared to declare Iran in non-compliance should there be no concrete progress, asserting the necessity of ongoing support for IAEA safeguards to maintain international security.
The call for increased transparency regarding Iran’s advancing nuclear program is paramount. Over the years, Iran has received numerous chances to cooperate but instead has opted for a path of escalation and obfuscation. Persistent noncompliance must not go unchecked, and the Quad asserted that mechanisms must be placed to hold Iran accountable if it continues on its current trajectory.
The Quad’s statement underscores the crucial role of the IAEA in addressing Iran’s noncompliance with its NPT Safeguards Agreement. Iran’s refusal to cooperate has raised significant concerns regarding its nuclear activities, necessitating a thorough assessment by the IAEA. The Board must remain vigilant, prepared to address Iran’s escalating nuclear program and its implications for international security. Continued lack of transparency and cooperation from Iran could lead to declarations of non-compliance, highlighting a pressing need for accountability.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
