The International Atomic Energy Agency, or I.A.E.A., has released its latest report on Iran's nuclear program. The report makes clear that Iran has not suspended its proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities as mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1737 and 1747.
The report also describes Iran's failure to cooperate fully with the I.A.E.A's investigation into its past and current nuclear activities, many of these failures have been reported several times to the I.A.E.A. There are also new safeguards failures identified since the latest report, in particular, Iran's claims to have suspended implementation of portions of its I.A.E.A. Safeguards Agreement and refused inspections at the Arak heavy water research reactor.
U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey commented on the I-A-E-A's report:
"What it makes clear is that the Iranian government has not done what the international community has now repeatedly asked it to do – which is answer the questions the I-A-E-A has about its nuclear program, comply with the [I-A-E-A] Board of Governors resolutions as well as the Security Council resolutions, suspend its uranium enrichment activities, and enter into negotiations."
Mr. Casey says Iran now faces "additional sanctions and measures as the result of its non-compliance." And that, he said, will increase the pressure that has already had an impact on Iran's economy and international isolation:
"It's had an impact in terms of businesses choosing not to move forward with investments in the oil sector, with banks choosing to either completely cut off or restrict their involvement with Iran. It's had an impact in terms of Iran's ability to seek out more material and more support for its nuclear program. And it's had an impact. . . .in terms of creating some real discussion among the Iranian elites about whether this policy is the right one to pursue."
Mr. Casey says continued pressure on the Iranian government can work. "We're trying to achieve an agreement that is in the best interest of the Iranian people and the international community as a whole," says Mr. Casey. "We can create what would be a win for everyone – which is an Iran that can have a civilian nuclear power capability that can provide for the needs of its people, but at the same time, an international community that can be assured. . . .that that program isn't being used as a cover to build a nuclear weapon."
