Country Resources

It is unclear how much latitude Iran's new president will have in shaping Tehran’s relations with the West after he takes office in August. It is unlikely that the country’s nuclear policy, which is determined by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will shift significantly from its current trajectory.

Preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains a top U.S. security objective, but in recent months Tehran has accelerated its sensitive nuclear activities and threatened to pursue nuclear weapons, creating significant new challenges for addressing proliferation risks.

The censure reaffirms the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governor decision that it is “essential and urgent” for Iran to clarify “all outstanding safeguards issues.” 

U.S. presidential leadership may be the most important factor in whether the risk of nuclear arms racing, proliferation, and war will rise or fall in the years ahead. 

A roundtable discussion with Nicole Grajewski, Sina Toossi, and Ali Vaez.

States met at the International Atomic Energy Agency to discuss nuclear security challenges, but an objection from Iran prevented adoption of recommendations.

Visiting Iran, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency discussed measures to enhance monitoring of Tehran’s nuclear program, but it is unclear if there will be any new cooperation.

Recent attacks by both countries opened a new chapter in their fraught relations. 

The action could come at the next International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting if Iran does not meet its legally binding safeguards obligations.

The IAEA reports a small decrease in Iran’s 60 percent uranium stockpile, but no progress on the safeguards investigation. In the meantime, the annual U.S. Worldwide Threat Assessment, released after a Congressional hearing March 11, assesses that Iran is not engaged in weaponization activities.

Risks associated with Iran’s nuclear program are heightened by “complexities” in the Middle East, the IAEA chief said.

Escalating regional tensions could push Tehran to determine it needs a nuclear deterrent for security or the United States to miscalculate Iran’s intentions and prematurely use military force against the country’s nuclear facilities. ... Increased monitoring provides greater assurance that any dash to nuclear weapons would be quickly detected and reduces the likelihood of the United States or Israel misjudging Iran’s nuclear activities, a move that could have devastating ripple effects.

In a report, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran is now producing approximately nine kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent uranium-235 per month.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called for diplomacy with Tehran after the agency reported that Iran increased its production of uranium enriched to near weapons grade. Grossi also criticized Iran for restricting cooperation with the agency.