IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda Item 5: Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015)
6 June 2023
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Chair
Australia continues to support the non-proliferation objectives of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We extend our continued appreciation to the Agency for its professionalism, impartiality and dedication in respect to its crucial work in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Chair
We note Iran’s partial implementation of its commitments in the Joint Statement of 4 March 2023, including allowing the installation of surveillance cameras at one location.
At the same time, we note with alarm the continued growth of Iran’s stockpile of high enriched uranium (HEU) at an order of magnitude far greater than that allowed under the JCPOA
Of deep concern is Iran’s stockpile of uranium hexafluoride enriched up to 60 per cent U-235. Iran has no credible civilian reason to produce uranium enriched to this level, and this sends an unwelcome and concerning signal regarding possible intent and comes after a pattern of sustained and concerning escalations in Iran’s nuclear programme.
Chair
Iran’s decision in 2021 to cease implementation of its monitoring and verification commitments under the JCPOA has broken continuity of knowledge over Iran’s production and inventory of centrifuge components, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate, undermining the IAEA’s ability to provide assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran’s program.
Australia calls on Iran to cease the pattern of escalatory actions, reverse all steps away from the JCPOA and recommit to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments, including implementation of the Additional Protocol.
Australia further calls on Iran to fully implement the activities set out in the 4 March Joint Statement and cooperate immediately with the Agency to re-establish a satisfactory understanding of Iran’s inventory of centrifuge components.
Australia supports the JCPOA’s non-proliferation aim of ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful.
Australia fully supports the Director General’s efforts to preserve the Agency’s JCPOA verification and monitoring activities. We request that the Director General continue to report further developments on these matters to the Board and ask that GOV/2023/24 be made public.