IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 4: Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015)
22 November 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 with concern that there has been no further progress by Iran in implementing the commitments it made in the Joint Statement of 4 March 2023.
We are gravely concerned by Iran’s decision in September to withdraw the designation of several experienced IAEA inspectors. This decision has directly and seriously affected the Agency’s ability to conduct its verification activities effectively.
Chair
We continue to note with alarm the growth of Iran’s stockpile of high enriched uranium to more than an order of magnitude 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. This sends a concerning signal regarding possible intent and comes after a pattern of sustained and concerning escalations in Iran’s nuclear programme.
Chair
Also of concern is the Director General’s advice that the Agency has been unable to perform verification and monitoring activities under the JCPOA for two years and nine months.
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.
Chair
Australia calls on Iran to fully implement the activities set out in the 4 March Joint Statement and comply with its nuclear-related commitments, including implementation of the Additional Protocol. This would of course involve Iran reversing all steps away from the JCPOA.
We also call on Iran to cooperate with the Agency on the installation of additional verification and monitoring equipment. And to demonstrate good faith by immediately reversing its decision to withdraw the designation of experienced IAEA inspectors.
Chair
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/2023/57 be made public.