- The dispute over Iran’s nuclear program between Western countries and Iran is coming to a head.
- Iran has now removed 27 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) surveillance cameras at several nuclear facilities.
- It is in response to a resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors.
The dismantling of the surveillance cameras took place on Thursday, as IAEA boss Rafael Grossi announced in Vienna. After this step, around 40 cameras would remain in operation. “This means a serious challenge for our work in Iran,” said Grossi. Tehran’s move creates “less transparency, more doubt and greater uncertainty” about Iran’s nuclear program. The USA immediately spoke of a very regrettable event that was counterproductive for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Legend:
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks at a press conference in Vienna on developments related to the IAEA’s surveillance work in Iran.
Reuters
Response to a resolution of the IAEA Board of Governors
Tehran officials have threatened in recent days that Iran will respond to a resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors. In the resolution, the Council called on Iran to cooperate fully with the agency’s inspectors. Of the 35 countries on the panel, only China and Russia appeared to vote against. The Foreign Ministry in Tehran described the resolution on Thursday as “hasty” and “unbalanced”. Now Iran has announced the operation of further centrifuges to enrich uranium.
Discovery of uranium particles sparks controversy
The reason for the dispute is a lack of clarity about the origin of uranium particles that were discovered at three facilities not declared by Iran. The IAEA criticizes that Iran has not yet provided any credible explanations for these finds. In addition, a separate investigation by the IAEA stated that the Iranian stock of uranium enriched to 60 percent had now increased to 43.1 kilograms. A purity of 90 percent is required for a nuclear weapon.
The IAEA had previously warned that Iran only needed a few weeks to build material for a nuclear bomb. The government in Tehran repeatedly emphasizes that it only wants to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Legend:
The Iranian flag is still flying in front of the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Reuters
Nuclear deal revival on the brink
Negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program have been going on for months. Indirect talks between Iran, the United States and other countries about reviving the agreement are dragging on.
The United States had terminated the agreement in 2018 under its then President Donald Trump and again imposed sanctions on Iran. As a result, Iran no longer complied with all of the conditions.
The renewed restriction of the nuclear program is almost negotiated, but Washington and Tehran are still at odds over the lifting of US sanctions. The nuclear deal is intended to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons.
SRF 4 News, June 09, 2022, 4:00 p.m.; sda/reuters/kurd