EU Criticizes Iran for Barring Nuclear Inspectors

Facts

• On Sunday, the EU criticized Iran for withdrawing accreditation from several UN nuclear inspectors assigned to inspect Tehran's nuclear arsenal.¹
• As many as eight French and German inspectors are asked to leave the country, which the International Atomic Energy Agency termed a 'disproportionate and unprecedented' action.²
• This comes after the US, the UK, France, and Germany called on Iran last week to cooperate with the IAEA on multiple issues — including explaining uranium traces found at undeclared locations.³
• Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry accused the above four nations of politicizing the UN nuclear watchdog, adding that Tehran 'will continue its positive cooperation within the framework of the [existing] agreements.'⁴
• The 'de-designation' of inspectors is allowed under the rules of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, the IAEA has alleged that Iran's decision goes beyond standard protocols.⁵
• The EU is a participant in the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, under which Tehran agreed to cut its stockpile of low-enriched uranium in lieu of receiving relief from the economic sanctions.⁵

Sources: ¹Dw.com, ²France 24, ³Reuters, ⁴Voa and ⁵Al Jazeera.

Narratives

• Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by Reuters. The US welcomes any steps Iran might take to de-escalate the growing nuclear threat from Tehran. The US is using its entire toolbox of deterrence, pressure, and diplomacy to get Iran to be a responsible world actor. Iran must end its accumulation of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium.
• Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. Iran had agreed to maintain a nuclear program only for civilian uses, but the US and Israel — both of which possess nuclear weapons — sought to inflame tensions. Iran wants peace and ultimately has no interest in arming itself with nuclear weapons, but Washington is forcing its hand.

Predictions