IAEA Withdraws Final Inspectors from Iran

Context

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has withdrawn all its remaining inspectors from Iran, following an ongoing impasse over access to Iranian nuclear facilities after military strikes by Israel and the United States. Iran has passed legislation to suspend cooperation with the agency, and there is no clarity on when inspections might resume.

About IAEA:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system, established in 1957, and headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
Its primary mandate is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes, including nuclear weapons.

IAEA and Iran:

Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and hence subject to IAEA safeguards.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 countries, was monitored by the IAEA for compliance.
Following U.S. withdrawal from JCPOA in 2018, Iran began scaling back its commitments, leading to tensions and reduced IAEA access.

Current Crisis (July 2025):

After Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites amid ongoing conflict, Iran passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA.
The IAEA has had no inspections since the war began, and Iran’s near weapons-grade uranium stockpile remains unaccounted for.
IAEA Director has called this lack of access a major concern, jeopardizing non-proliferation objectives.

Implications for Global Security:

Undermines transparency and verification of Iran’s nuclear program.
Raises proliferation risks in West Asia (Middle East).
May affect global oil prices and geopolitical stability, given Iran's strategic position and the international concern around nuclear weaponization.