Turning the tables: Iran officially dissolves international control over its nuclear reactors

Eslam Mohamed

In an unprecedented development in Iran’s nuclear file, Tehran has formally dissolved international control over its nuclear reactors in a move that would make the Iranians free their hands in pursuing their project threatening the security of the Middle East and the world.

Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kazem Gharibabadi, announced that his country had informed the IAEA about its plan to end the comprehensive inspection powers granted to the agency under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The law, passed by the Iranian parliament, obliges the government to end the surprise inspections by the IAEA on February 21 and limits its inspections to only declared nuclear sites.

Gharibabadi said on Twitter, “Parliament’s law will be implemented on time, and the International Atomic Energy Agency was informed today,” noting that it was informed in order “to ensure a smooth transition to a new path in a timely manner.”

France, Germany and Britain condemned on Friday Iran’s decision to produce metallic uranium, considering it a violation of Iran’s obligations towards the international community.

The IAEA said earlier this week that Iran had proceeded with its plans to manufacture metallic uranium, after Tehran informed Western countries of its intention to produce the metal that could be used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons.

The three countries added in a joint statement, “We strongly urge Iran to stop these activities without delay, and not to take any new steps inconsistent with its nuclear program.”

It should be noted that metallic uranium has peaceful and warlike uses. It can produce missiles with nuclear warheads, but it also helps produce better quality nuclear fuel and has uses in the medical field.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh added that the government is tasked with stopping the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, based on a decision from the Islamic Consultative Assembly in this regard, but he also stated that this procedure does not mean ending all oversight and that cooperation with the IAEA will continue.

Khatibzadeh made it clear that all these measures are subject to reversal provided that the other parties abide by their obligations.

According to the IAEA website, “The Additional Protocol is not a stand-alone agreement, but rather a protocol to a safeguards agreement that provides additional tools for verification. In particular, it significantly increases the IAEA’s ability to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in States with comprehensive safeguards agreements.”

“Under the Additional Protocol, the IAEA is granted expanded rights of access to information and locations in the States. For States with a CSA, the Additional Protocol aims to fill the gaps in the information reported under a CSA. By enabling the IAEA to obtain a much fuller picture of such States’ nuclear programmes, plans, nuclear material holdings and trade, the Additional Protocol increases the IAEA’s ability to provide much greater assurance on the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in those States.”