Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has voiced stark criticisms concerning the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, citing it as ineffective and unenforced.
According to Breitbart News, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, is reportedly rendered ineffective as Iran and other signatories fail to adhere to its terms.
Rafael Grossi highlighted that none of the parties involved actively apply or follow the JCPOA. This reveals a crucial failing in international efforts to control nuclear proliferation.
In Vienna, concerted diplomacy nearly resurrected the JCPOA, yet these attempts fell through for reasons not disclosed to Grossi. Rafael Grossi has called out these failures amidst continuous Iranian breaches of the deal.
The stability of the agreement was further compromised when former U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the deal in 2018.
Labeling the agreement as ineffective, Trump's administration reinstated harsh sanctions on Iran, which led to significant economic difficulties. Tehran blamed these issues on European countries' failure to effectively maintain the agreement.
Iran disregarded many of the JCPOA’s mandates as the U.S. exited the agreement. This was marked by increasing uranium enrichment levels and plans to update their centrifuge technology. European patience wore thin, culminating in a censure from the IAEA board against Iran; however, Russia and China opposed this move.
Rafael Grossi expressed his escalating concerns about these developments:
We know that Iran is considering a number of activities which require construction of new facilities, installing new cascades, among other things. They should be informing us of those changes.
France, Germany, and the UK have all condemned Iran's recent nuclear advancements, stating these actions pose serious threats to global nuclear non-proliferation goals and contravene the JCPOA as well as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Grossi pinpointed significant challenges in maintaining cooperation with Iran concerning nuclear inspections. While minimal inspections continue, these are not comprehensive enough to soothe international nerves.
"There are problems, I’ll be honest with you. We do cooperate with Iran... But this is not enough," stated Grossi, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and cooperation from Iran.
Despite the setbacks, Rafael Grossi remains hopeful that Russia could play a crucial role in steering Iran towards a more predictable and peaceful nuclear path. However, the IAEA remains in the dark about Iran's specific plans regarding new uranium centrifuge facilities.
From promising negotiations to heightened tensions, the saga of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal continues to unravel. The international community watches closely as each new development could sway the delicate balance of global nuclear safety. Despite diplomatic efforts and ongoing discussions, effective enforcement and sincere compliance remain elusive, reflecting a grave narrative of caution for future international treaties in nuclear non-proliferation.
