TEHRAN- The International Atomic Energy Agency, under Grossi's leadership, adopts an ineffective approach towards Iran, fostering a sense of mistrust between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog. 

In a recent report by The Associated Press, the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog sounded the alarm over Iran’s alleged lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program. Speaking at the prestigious World Governments Summit in Dubai, Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that Iran's disclosures are insufficient, marking a concerning trend in the global effort to monitor nuclear activities.

Iran is “presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course, this increases dangers," Grossi added.

Grossi's remarks followed a significant statement from Ali Akbar Salehi, the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, who asserted Iran's capability in nuclear endeavors. Salehi's words, coupled with Grossi's concerns, underscore a critical juncture in international nuclear diplomacy.

Grossi's assertions come at a time when Iran, a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, has committed to granting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to its nuclear facilities, a move aimed at verifying the peaceful nature of its program.

In addition to signing the 2015 nuclear deal, Tehran committed to welcoming further oversight from the IAEA. This agreement underscored Iran's willingness to adhere to monitoring measures aimed at ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. 

By consenting to enhanced scrutiny, Tehran demonstrated its commitment to transparency and compliance with international regulations regarding nuclear activities.

IAEA's approach

In the realm of technical and safeguard activities overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has consistently upheld its commitments. Tehran has demonstrated utmost cooperation with the IAEA, underscoring its dedication to maintaining a peaceful nuclear program.

The IAEA's safeguard activities serve as a vital mechanism for ensuring that states adhere to their international obligations, particularly concerning the prohibition of nuclear weapons development. 

Mandated by the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other anti-nuclear proliferation agreements, the IAEA serves as the primary nuclear inspectorate worldwide. Presently, the IAEA conducts safeguard operations in collaboration with over 140 states.

These safeguards hinge on the meticulous evaluation of a state's declared nuclear material and related activities, with verification measures encompassing on-site inspections, visits, and continuous monitoring and assessment. 

The approach entails two distinct sets of measures tailored to the nature of the safeguard agreements in place with a state. One set revolves around verifying the accuracy of state-reported nuclear material and activities, while the other incorporates additional measures to bolster the IAEA's inspection capabilities.

Within the intricate landscape of Iran's nuclear endeavors, complexities emerge within the political realm. These challenges, standing at the intersection of the West and Iran, serve to further complicate an already thorny issue.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), once hailed as a milestone agreement, was abruptly abandoned under U.S. then-President Donald Trump in 2018. His decision to withdraw from the deal was underscored by his assertion that terminating the JCPOA represented the paramount action Washington could take in support of Tel Aviv's interests.

Subsequent to the U.S. withdrawal, Europe's efforts to salvage the agreement proved insufficient in fulfilling the promised commitments.
 
The economic tool, Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), created in January 2019 to sidestep U.S. sanctions and enable trade with Iran, fell short of its promised advantages. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif expressed disappointment with Europe's unmet commitments, noting that none of the "11 promises" had been fulfilled.
 
The reports from IAEA have exacerbated the political divide between the West and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. These reports, often perceived as biased and closely aligned with Western media narratives, have facilitated a wave of media propaganda portraying Iran's nuclear activities as a global threat.

Moreover, the situation is compounded by instances where IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has publicly cited Iran's stockpiles, issuing warnings to the JCPOA signatories regarding potential non-compliance by Iran. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that the JCPOA lies beyond the scope of the IAEA's mandate and responsibilities.

The perceived bias of the IAEA in certain cases, coupled with the release of sensitive Iranian nuclear information to Western media outlets, has had a negative impact on Tehran's willingness to cooperate with the agency. This has further strained the already fragile relationship between Iran and the IAEA regarding Tehran's nuclear program.

The consistent release of confidential reports from the IAEA, particularly highlighted in early February 2023, has emerged as a longstanding tactic over the past two decades, utilized to exert political pressure on Tehran's peaceful nuclear endeavors.

Speaking at a Chatham House think tank meeting, Rafael Grossi acknowledged the regrettable nature of these leaks. However, he emphasized that the Agency lacks the necessary mechanisms to control and prevent such occurrences.

Despite Grossi's remarks, the leakage of these reports prompted a joint political statement from the United States, along with England, France, and Germany, reiterating concerns about Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

If Rafael Grossi seeks answers regarding the perceived lack of transparency from Iran, he must examine the actions of the IAEA that have compromised professionalism and confidentiality.

Should the IAEA demonstrate impartiality and uphold standards of confidentiality and professionalism, Tehran may be inclined to enhance transparency regarding its peaceful nuclear activities.

The concerns surrounding the IAEA extend beyond its lack of confidentiality and professionalism to include occasional biased reports and statements made by its Director General, Rafael Grossi.

Grossi's recent interviews have raised alarm regarding Iran's nuclear program. For instance, in a late 2023 interview with the Wall Street Journal, he proposed the idea of a new initiative, JCPOA 2. This suggestion was met with criticism from Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), who argued that Grossi lacked the authority to propose such an initiative.

Moreover, the timing of Grossi's interviews has raised eyebrows. Whenever Iran has made progress in its nuclear industry, Grossi has reiterated concerns about Tehran's activities. For example, shortly after Iran began construction on a new nuclear site in Isfahan on February 5, Grossi accused Iran of lacking transparency in its nuclear activities in an interview with the Associated Press.

Also, a glaring issue with the IAEA is its double standards regarding nuclear activities. While Iran has consistently complied with the agency's regulations, its actions are often labeled as concerning. Conversely, the IAEA shows leniency towards the nuclear activities of the Israeli regime, which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and operates uninspected sites.

Ultimately, if the IAEA aims to foster greater cooperation and transparency from Tehran, it must reassess its approach toward Tehran.