Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the United Nations
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Agenda Item 7: Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)

IAEA Board of Governors Meeting

Agenda Item 7: Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)

13 September 2022

 

Chair,

We thank the Director General and his team for their thorough, impartial and professional report on verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Australia continues to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its non-proliferation objectives.

The successful conclusion and, for a time, operation of the JCPOA was an important demonstration of the ability of hard-nosed diplomacy to address non-proliferation concerns. We hope the agreement, its security dividends and its normative power will not be lost.

We note US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s 9 September remarks, that Iran’s ‘latest response takes us backwards.’

We also note the 10 September Joint Statement by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and share their concerns with regards to ‘Iran’s intentions and commitment to a successful outcome on the JCPOA.’

We also share their resolve to ensure that ‘the JCPOA can in no way be used to release Iran from legally binding obligations that are essential to the global non-proliferation regime.’

Chair,

Australia deeply regrets Iran’s decision to request the removal of all JCPOA-related Agency surveillance and monitoring equipment in June, making the Agency’s verification task more complicated in the event Iran returns to full implementation of its nuclear-related JCPOA commitments.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the unchecked production and growth of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, as documented in the report (GOV/2022/39). The Agency estimates that Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium has now grown to 3940.9 kg. Of particular concern, this includes 55.6 kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent U-235 in the form of uranium hexafluoride and 1.6kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent U-235 in the form of mini-plates. Iran has provided no rationale for fabricating these mini-plates. 

Chair,

Australia once again calls on Iran to reverse all steps away from the JCPOA and recommit to full compliance with all of its obligations under the terms of the agreement.

We further urge Iran to return promptly to full implementation of the Additional Protocol and other JCPOA transparency commitments.

Australia fully supports the Director General’s dedicated efforts to preserve and maintain the Agency’s JCPOA verification and monitoring activities.

We thank the Director General for his professionalism and impartiality and  request that he continues to report further developments on these matters.  We ask that GOV/2022/39 be made public.