IAEA Board of Governors Meeting
Statement by HE Mr Richard Sadleir, Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Agenda Item 8: Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in Light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)
September 2020
Australia remains deeply concerned that the Islamic Republic of Iran persists in its refusal to abide by the operational limits set in the JCPOA.
As we have stated repeatedly, Australia finds Iran’s wind-back on the basis of ‘less-for-less’ unacceptable. We join others in calling on Iran to immediately cease all activities in excess of JCPOA limits.
We would like to underline our concern that Iran’s advanced centrifuge research and development activity, which is now far in excess of JCPOA limits, brings with it irreversible non-proliferation implications.
Iran’s continued rapid accumulation of enriched uranium remains deeply concerning, and we note that stockpiles now exceed two tonnes, more than 10 times the limit set in the JCPOA.
We also note that further clarification and information has been sought by the Agency in relation to the natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin detected at a site in Iran. We urge Iran to cooperate fully and promptly with these requests.
Australia remains of the view that the JCPOA can continue to serve the international community’s nuclear non-proliferation interests.
But for this objective to be realised, Iran must change its course, recommit itself to the terms of the deal and engage in constructive diplomatic dialogue.
Australia again strongly urges Iran to return immediately to full compliance with all of its obligations under the JCPOA.
Australia recognises the substantial efforts of France, Germany and the UK to preserve the JCPOA. We note that discussions under the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism are ongoing.
We encourage Iran to engage constructively and refrain from any further actions that might jeopardise these efforts.
We again underline that the provisional application by Iran of its Additional Protocol, in accordance with the terms of the deal, remains fundamental to Australia’s ongoing support for the JCPOA.
I would like to reiterate our thanks to IAEA staff who continue to tirelessly undertake verification and monitoring activities not only in Iran, but across the globe during this challenging period.
We greatly value your determination, courage, rigour, impartiality and professionalism, and Australia continues to strongly support your work.