International Atomic Energy Agency’s Inspectors are back in Iran for the first time since Israeli & US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities (June 2025 war).
Iran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA after the recent conflict with Israel, accusing it of failing to condemn attacks.
- Diplomacy: Iran urges diplomacy, seeking to avert sanctions.
- Talks ongoing in Geneva between Iran & E3 (Britain, France, Germany).
- E3 threatening “snapback sanctions” under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Background of Iran’s Nuclear Issue
- JCPOA (2015 Nuclear Deal): Iran agreed to limit enrichment & allow inspections in return for sanctions relief.
- US withdrawal (2018): Donald Trump exited JCPOA, reimposed sanctions.
- Israel’s concern: Claims Iran pursuing nuclear weapons .
- June 2025 War: Israeli strikes → Iran’s suspension of IAEA cooperation.
Strategic Implications
- For IAEA: Re-entry is crucial for transparency & global nuclear security.
- For Iran: Avoiding snapback sanctions is vital to stabilize the economy amid war damage.
- For Global Politics: Renewed tensions revive debates around non-proliferation vs national sovereignty.
- For India:
- Balances ties with Iran (Chabahar Port, energy) & US/EU (strategic partners).
- Dependent on West Asian stability for energy security.
About the IAEA
- The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
- Established: 1957 (by UN mandate, after 1953 “Atoms for Peace” speech by US President Eisenhower).
- HQ: Vienna, Austria.
- Functions:
- Promotes safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
- Conducts inspections to verify compliance with non-proliferation agreements (NPT & safeguards).
- Provides technical assistance for nuclear medicine, nuclear energy,etc.
- Reports to both the UN General Assembly & Security Council.
- Award: Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
- India & IAEA:
- Member since 1957.
- Signed India–IAEA Safeguards Agreement (2009) after US–India Civil Nuclear Deal (2008).
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29 Aug 2025
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