Date published: 21/11/2024 – 14:22Changed: 21/11/2024 – 14:20

2 minutes

Earlier this week, European powers and the United States formally submitted a no-confidence motion critical of Iran to the board of directors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Western powers have repeatedly raised concerns about Tehran’s declining cooperation with the agency, as tensions have been high since the 2015 deal that restricted Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

In the motion of no confidence submitted by the UK, France, Germany and the USA, it is stated that it is “necessary and urgent” for Iran to “take action to fulfill its legal obligations”.

The secret resolution, seen by AFP, also calls on Tehran to provide “technically reliable explanations” for the presence of uranium particles found in two unreported locations in Iran.

Additionally, Western powers want the IAEA to publish a “comprehensive report” on Iran’s nuclear efforts “no later than spring 2025.”

The resolution is expected to be put to a vote on Thursday evening, diplomats told AFP.

Differences emerged

Tehran has significantly reduced its cooperation with the agency since 2021, disabling surveillance devices intended to monitor its nuclear program and banning UN inspectors.

At the same time, Iran has rapidly increased its nuclear activities, including increasing stockpiles of enriched uranium, raising fears that Tehran may seek to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran denies any request to develop nuclear weapons.

The decision came as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi returned from a trip to Tehran last week where he appeared to have made progress.

During the visit, Iran agreed to the IAEA’s request to limit its stockpile of sensitive, nearly weapons-grade uranium enriched to 60 percent purity.

“This is a concrete step in the right direction,” Grossi told reporters on Wednesday, saying it was “the first time” Iran had made such a commitment since it began breaking away from its obligations under the 2015 deal.

The landmark 2015 deal collapsed three years after the United States unilaterally withdrew under then-president Donald Trump.

In retaliation, Tehran began rolling back some of its commitments by increasing its uranium stockpiles and enriching them beyond the 3.67 percent purity allowed under the agreement (sufficient for nuclear power plants).

Potential for ‘efforts to cause harm’

Ahead of the vote, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning on Thursday, saying the adoption of censorship would “weaken and distort” interaction between the institution and Tehran.

Araghchi had previously warned that Iran would respond “proportionately and appropriately” if the board approved the decision.

According to Heloise Fayet, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations, the decision has the potential to “damage Rafael Grossi’s efforts.”

“But Western powers are disappointed that his diplomatic maneuvers have not been effective and are looking for more robust solutions,” he told AFP.

On Wednesday, Grossi said he “cannot rule out” that Iran’s cap enrichment commitment could be undermined “as a result of future developments.”

Foreign policy expert Rahman Ghahremanpour said Tehran could retaliate against the new condemnation by “increasing its levels of enrichment.”

However, Iran does not expect any drastic “strategic measures” as it does not want to “escalate tensions” before Donald Trump returns to the White House.

© 2024 AFP