IAEA and Iran

Context

The IAEA Board of Governors declared Iran in violation of its nuclear safeguards under the NPT for the first time since 2005, citing its failure to explain uranium traces at undeclared sites. The resolution, backed by 19 nations, may lead to Iran's referral to the UN Security Council

What is the IAEA Safeguards Agreement?

The IAEA Safeguards Agreement is a legally binding arrangement between a non-nuclear-weapon state and the IAEA to verify compliance with the NPT.
Under this, Iran is required to declare all nuclear activities and materials and allow full inspections.
Non-compliance means violations of transparency, access, and declarations as stipulated under the agreement.

Background of Iran’s Nuclear Controversy:

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 nations to limit Iran’s nuclear programme.
The U.S. withdrew from JCPOA in 2018, leading to increased Iranian uranium enrichment and reduced cooperation with the IAEA.
The current resolution refers to undeclared nuclear material and sites that suggest past covert nuclear activities, especially until the early 2000s.

Implications of the Resolution:

Iran may escalate its nuclear programme in response, as per past patterns.
The IAEA report from May 31, 2025, stated Iran’s failure to cooperate fully.
If Iran continues to obstruct, the Board may pass a second resolution to refer the matter to the UN Security Council, as was done in 2006.
The geopolitical impact is significant amidst S.-Iran tensions, China and Russia voting against the resolution, and regional instability in West Asia.

PYQ:

1. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)

Some use uranium and others use thorium
Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
Some are State-owned and others are privately owned

2. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (2018)

The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.