Michael Jalileyan
On February 22nd, the International Atomic Energy Agency released its latest report.
The report noted increased efforts on the part of Iran toward clarifying the extent of its nuclear enrichment program. "Iran has provided the Agency with access to declared nuclear material and has provided the required nuclear material accountancy reports in connection with declared nuclear material and activities." Although the agency states that it has not able to fully resolve all issues related to the nature of its nuclear program, neither was it able to show clear and convincing evidence that Iran has been engaged in the development of nuclear weapons technology.
The chief Iranian nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, welcomed the report, saying that it demonstrated that the claims against Tehran were "baseless", providing "even further evidence proving Iran's truthfulness regarding its nuclear issue," Similarly, the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N, Mohammad Khazaee, stated that "The report well indicates that such an unprecedented and resolute voluntary cooperation with the IAEA on the part of the Islamic Republic of Iran, beyond its obligation in accordance with the comprehensive safeguards agreement...that Iran is a responsible, transparent, and predictable member of the NPT, and is fully committed to its international obligations with regard to its peaceful nuclear program."
The IAEA commended Iran's cooperation in providing information and allowing inspections, in compliance with its August 2007 plan. Nevertheless, the report notes: "The one major remaining issue relevant to the nature of Iran's nuclear program is the alleged studies on the green salt project, high explosives testing and the missile re-entry vehicle. This is a matter of serious concern and critical to an assessment of a possible military dimension to Iran's nuclear program." The agency stated its concerns involving Iranian research and development of dual use technologies and delivery systems. A laptop containing plans and secret documents, said to have been intercepted by intelligence agencies, was turned over to the IAEA as evidence. Iran holds that these allegations are spurious and that the documents could have been fabricated using readily obtainable information.
The agency has found that it is "not yet in a position to determine the full nature of Iran's nuclear program. However, it should be noted that the Agency has not detected the use of nuclear material in connection with the alleged studies, nor does it have credible information in this regard." Despite its mixed and remaining concerns, the IAEA's report positively reflect Iran's increased commitment toward demonstrating responsibility and good will.
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