IAEA: "Iran Must Clarify Undeclared Nuclear Material"... Could Affect Nuclear Deal Restoration Talks

Iran Natanz Nuclear Facility
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has demanded that Iranian authorities clarify the origin of undeclared nuclear material discovered during inspections of Iran's nuclear program, but it appears that Iran has failed to provide an explanation. This development is seen as a new variable in the ongoing discussions to restore the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

On the 31st (local time), the IAEA released a report stating, "Several months have passed, but we have not received a response from Iranian authorities regarding some undeclared nuclear material for which explanations were requested."

The IAEA also pointed out that "measures to ensure the peaceful operation of Iran's nuclear program have yet to be established."

Earlier this year, ahead of the JCPOA restoration talks, the United States had pushed for a statement condemning Iran over the undeclared nuclear material.

However, the three countries of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have withheld agreement on the condemnation statement, hoping for further clarification from Iran. Notably, these three countries, which are parties to the JCPOA and act as mediators between the U.S. and Iran, reportedly made this decision to prevent escalating tensions and avoid hindering the restoration talks.

Nonetheless, since Iranian authorities have failed to clarify the origin of the undeclared nuclear material, it is viewed as a new complication in the nuclear deal restoration discussions.

Ultimately, as the three mediating countries' demand for clarification on the undeclared nuclear material remains unmet, the likelihood of these countries adopting a condemnation statement against Iran has increased, potentially prolonging the restoration talks.

In particular, with a hardline right-wing candidate expected to win the upcoming presidential election in Iran this month, it is anticipated that this will also impact future nuclear deal restoration discussions.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, according to the report, following an explosion at the Natanz nuclear facility in April, presumed to be an Israeli attack, Iran's production of nuclear material has significantly decreased. Over the past three months, Iran's quarterly production of highly enriched uranium reportedly dropped to 273 kg, the lowest level since August 2019.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.