Strategic Assessment

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the organization entrusted with verifying that Iran is observing the requirements of the nuclear deal (JCPOA) to the letter. Its quarterly reports to the Security Council are, at present, the basis for the determination by many nations that Iran is complying with the deal. However, a closer look at the performance of the IAEA and the issued reports reveals that not all is well in areas such as verification of the absence of activities in the development of the nuclear explosive mechanism; the search for undeclared nuclear-related activities; and the necessary transparency in IAEA reports regarding Iran’s nuclear activities and plans. It is essential that the parties to the deal recognize these shortcomings, and impress upon the IAEA the imperative to change its implementation of its mandate.