Why in News :
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into law a bill passed by Iran’s parliament to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The move comes amid rising tensions post an Israeli–Iranian conflict and international censure of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
Key Developments:
Law Passed & Enacted:
- Iranian parliament passed a bill accusing the IAEA of collaborating with Israel, especially following strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
- President Pezeshkian approved the law, instructing the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and foreign ministry to implement it.
Iran’s Justification:
- Claims IAEA intelligence enabled attacks on its nuclear sites.
- Accuses IAEA and Director General Rafael Grossi of bias and Western alignment.
IAEA’s Stand:
- IAEA awaits formal clarification from Iran.
- Recently issued a report stating it cannot verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.
- Report highlighted uranium enrichment near weapons-grade levels.
International Reactions:
- USA: Called Iran’s decision “unacceptable”; urged Iran to return to full cooperation.
- Germany: Warned the move sends a “disastrous signal” for diplomacy.
- UN Secretary-General: Expressed concern; reiterated the need for Iran to engage with IAEA.
- Israel & US Military Strikes:
- Israel conducted a military assault on Iranian nuclear and military targets.
- US followed with supportive strikes on facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
- Ceasefire Achieved: A 12-day Israel–Iran conflict concluded recently.
Iran’s Nuclear Program: What’s at Stake?
- Treaty Obligations : Iran remains a signatory to the NPT, which mandates IAEA inspections for verification of peaceful nuclear usage.
- Recent Enrichment Levels : IAEA reports uranium enrichment near weapons-grade (above 60%), raising fears of a covert weapons program.
- Iran’s Stand : Claims peaceful intent; says nuclear weapons are forbidden by Islam as per Ayatollah Khamenei.
- Impact of US Withdrawal (2018) : Following US exit from the JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal) under Trump, Iran gradually withdrew from its commitments, accelerating enrichment.
Implications for Global Security:
IAEA’s Role Undermined:
- Iran’s exit from cooperation weakens the global non-proliferation regime.
- Sets a dangerous precedent for other nations to bypass international monitoring.
Regional Instability:
- Escalation between Iran and Israel risks wider Middle East conflict.
- Increases chances of a nuclear arms race in West Asia.
JCPOA Revival Now Unlikely:
- With Iran under sanctions, internal political hardlining, and military strikes, diplomacy has lost momentum.
India’s Concerns:
- India has energy and trade interests in Iran.
- A destabilised Iran disrupts Chabahar Port project, and increases oil price volatility.
UPSC Relevance :
GS Paper 2 : International Institutions (IAEA) – India’s neighborhood and West Asia diplomacy
GS Paper 2 : International Treaties and Agreements (NPT, JCPOA) – Role of UN & multilateral negotiations
GS Paper 3 : Nuclear security – Defence, technology, and proliferation risks
Mains Practice Question:
Q. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has often been seen as a toothless body in checking nuclear proliferation. In light of Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, critically examine the challenges faced by global nuclear regulatory mechanisms and their geopolitical implications.