Iran’s nuclear threat targeted as watchdog agency lacks enforcement
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have declared victory against Iran’s nuclear program after 12 days of intense fighting. Trump announced that three nuclear sites had been completely destroyed, while Netanyahu stated that Israel had successfully eliminated an immediate dual existential threat in both the nuclear and ballistic missile domains. This victory comes after years of monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities by the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which ultimately failed to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions.
Dr. Or Rabinowitz, a nuclear proliferation expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Stanford University, emphasized that the IAEA alone cannot prevent a country from diverting nuclear material and technology from civilian to military purposes. While the agency can provide warnings and recommendations, it lacks the authority to enforce compliance. Despite decades of inspections and reports, Iran continued to deceive the international community and pursue its clandestine nuclear program.
In response to the IAEA’s recent report revealing Iran’s significant stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Israel launched a military assault to eliminate the nuclear threat posed by the Islamic Republic. The U.N. system, including the IAEA, has been criticized for its failure to address Iran’s non-compliance with non-proliferation obligations. Dr. Yoel Guzansky from Tel Aviv University highlighted the ineffectiveness of the U.N. and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the international system to address rogue actors like Iran.
Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society, pointed out that Iran’s deceptive tactics and lack of transparency were the root cause of its nuclear advancements. The international community’s failure to hold Iran accountable allowed the regime to exploit loopholes and continue its nuclear program unchecked. Mendoza advocated for a stronger stance against Iran to compel compliance with international agreements.
Despite the successful military strikes by the U.S. and Israel, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged diplomacy and warned against further escalation. While acknowledging the potential risks of conflict, Grossi failed to address Iran’s violations of international agreements and lack of transparency. Following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Grossi admitted that the IAEA could not locate nearly 900 pounds of potentially enriched uranium, raising concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
In conclusion, the international community must reassess its approach to dealing with rogue states like Iran. Diplomatic efforts alone may not be sufficient to prevent nuclear proliferation, necessitating a coordinated and robust response to ensure global security. The recent events in the Middle East underscore the need for a more proactive and decisive approach to address nuclear threats and hold violators accountable.
