Iran’s Nuclear Programme Under Scrutiny as IAEA Meeting Begins
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has convened in Vienna to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme and other pressing issues. According to a report by the BBC, the meeting comes on the heels of a damning IAEA report that criticised Tehran’s "less than satisfactory" co-operation, particularly in explaining past cases of nuclear material found at undeclared sites.
The IAEA report has sparked a heated response from Iran, which described it as "unbalanced" and reliant on "forged documents" provided by Israel. The development has raised concerns about the prospects of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers, with the US announcing a voluntary departure of families of American military personnel from countries across the Middle East, including Kuwait and Bahrain.
Speaking to the BBC, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that his country would retaliate against US bases in the region if talks failed and US President Donald Trump ordered military strikes against the Islamic Republic. The BBC reports that around 2,500 US troops are based in Iraq, a country that has been at the centre of regional tensions.
The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, also testified before a congressional panel, stating that there were "plenty of indications" that Iran was "moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon". However, Iran has consistently maintained that its uranium enrichment programme is for civilian energy generation and that it is not trying to build an atomic bomb.
The BBC quotes the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations organisation, part of the Royal Navy, as warning that increased military tensions in the Middle East could affect shipping. The organisation’s warning comes as the price of oil initially increased more than 4% following the news of the US evacuation, in anticipation of regional insecurity potentially leading to supply problems.
The development has sparked concerns about the potential for military conflict in the region. In January 2020, Iran fired missiles at air bases housing US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Although no US military personnel stationed at the base were killed, dozens were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.
According to the BBC, the IAEA meeting is set to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme and other issues, with the agency’s board of governors seeking to address the "less than satisfactory" co-operation from Tehran. The BBC reports that the meeting is taking place at a critical moment, with nuclear talks between Iran and world powers hanging in the balance.
In related news, the Pentagon has approved the voluntary departure of families of American military personnel from countries across the Middle East, citing concerns about regional security. The move has been seen as a precautionary measure, with the US seeking to prepare for potential military action in the region.
The IAEA’s report has raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, with the agency calling for greater transparency and co-operation from Tehran. The BBC reports that the agency’s board of governors will continue to discuss the issue, with a focus on finding a resolution to the impasse.
The situation remains fluid, with tensions between Iran and the US running high. The BBC will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
Source: BBC News
