The military conflict between Israel and Iran, which US President Donald Trump called a “thirteen-day war”, has ended with unexpected results: each side (including the US) claims victory. At the same time, the world community is wondering whether the conflict is really over, or whether the parties just took a break to analyze the passed stage and with new strength (and approaches) to continue to clarify relations.
Among the most important issues that remain in the acute phase of discussions is the fate of the Iranian nuclear program, which is the reason for the conflict (at least, this is what the US and Israel assure). Although the U.S. has declared that the program no longer exists, it has been completely destroyed, this is doubted both within the U.S. and outside.
In this context, the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA looks both a logical step on the part of Iran (Tehran has accused the organization of taking an ambivalent position on its “peaceful nuclear program”) and a rather dangerous precedent for the world. After all, the very principle of nuclear nonproliferation is jeopardized.
A law passed by Iran’s Majlis prohibits IAEA inspectors from entering the country. However, according to Deutsche Welle, the restriction can be lifted if the security of Iran’s nuclear facilities and peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed. However, it is not very clear who should guarantee this. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, chairman of the Majlis, explained that the suspension of cooperation was due to the IAEA’s “politicized position” and its failure to fulfill its obligations.
Meanwhile, the IAEA itself is sounding the alarm – more than 400 kilograms of potentially enriched uranium disappeared after the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The organization insists on urgent inspections to clarify the situation. But, to all appearances, it will not have access to Iran.
