IAEA: “Dead End” With Iran; Iran Reduces Cooperation, May Leave NNPT
Mohamed El-Baradei says that the IAEA’s dealings with Iran has reached a “dead end” due to Iran’s rejection of an international plan to ship the majority of their low-enriched uranium to other countries for enrichment to levels suitable for fuel purposes. The IAEA is also frustrated that Iran is failing to explain discrepancies in its nuclear declarations, particularly as it relates to the recently declared Qom site.
This resulted in the IAEA passing a resolution censuring Iran for its lack of cooperation. In retaliation, Iran has announced that it will further decrease its cooperation with the IAEA and will deny the inspectors access to their nuclear sites. Iran is even threatening to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. If that does happen, then it is a sign that Iran is moving to construct nuclear weapons and greatly expand its overall enrichment capabilities, as Iran can claim they are not acting illegally in doing so.
