Iran tells UN nuclear chief it won’t negotiate under ‘intimidation’

Sub: IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will not engage in talks under “intimidation” during his meeting with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme:

Iran’s nuclear program began in the 1950s, with assistance from the United States under the Atoms for Peace initiative. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the program became more secretive and increasingly controversial.
Iran has periodically expanded its nuclear activities, including the construction of new reactors and expanding enrichment capabilities.
Iran has also enriched uranium at varying levels, including up to 20% purity, well above the 5% limit set for peaceful purposes. Uranium enriched to 90% is considered weapons-grade.
Since 2003, the IAEA has conducted regular inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities and has reported instances where Iran was found to have violated some agreements or lacked full transparency in reporting its nuclear activities.

Iran Nuclear Deal:

A major development in the international effort to manage Iran’s nuclear program came in 2015 with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany).
Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67% and reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for reduced sanctions. Iran also agreed to provide the IAEA with greater access to its nuclear facilities and share more detailed information about its activities.
In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA, re-imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Following this, Iran has expanded its nuclear program.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
It was formed in 1957 as a result of Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency held at the UN headquarters.
The Agency works with its member states and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
The organisation’s policy making body is the General Conference comprising of all member states and the 35-member Board of Governors.
The General Conference convenes annually at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, typically in September.
The IAEA reports to the UN Security Council in regard to instances of members’ non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations.