Iran–IAEA

Context:

Iran has allowed the return of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors but clarified that this does not amount to full cooperation following Israeli and US strikes in June.

IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency):

Established in 1957 as an autonomous international organization under the aegis of the UN.
Headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
Works to promote peaceful use of nuclear technology and prevent its diversion for military purposes.
Reports to both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
Functions under the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968, of which India is not a signatory.

Iran’s Position:

Iran is a signatory to the NPT and allows IAEA inspections under the Safeguards Agreement.
However, it has repeatedly limited or suspended cooperation in response to geopolitical conflicts, particularly concerning the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
The deal involved Iran agreeing to curb nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, but the US withdrawal in 2018 weakened compliance.

Current Issue:

Iran has allowed a partial return of IAEA inspectors but insists that no new cooperation framework has been finalized.
The recent escalation came after Israeli air strikes (13 June 2025) targeting nuclear and military facilities in Iran, resulting in over 1,000 casualties.
The development reflects ongoing nuclear tensions in West Asia and the fragility of nuclear safeguards mechanisms.