The UNSC will hold a closed meeting to discuss Iran’s increasing uranium enrichment at the request of six member states, addressing concerns over compliance with the IAEA and the implications of the JCPOA’s impending expiration.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to convene for a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s escalating stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This session was requested by six member nations: France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Britain, and the United States, who are advocating for intensified oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities.
The UNSC will also discuss Iran’s duty to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning information related to undeclared nuclear material found at various sites. As of now, Iran’s UN mission in New York has not responded to requests for comments on this forthcoming meeting.
Despite Iran’s assertion that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA has expressed concerns regarding Iran enriching uranium to 60% purity, which is dangerously close to the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons. Western governments contend that such high levels of enrichment cannot be justified for civilian needs.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which involved the US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China, aimed at lifting sanctions on Iran in exchange for limitations on its nuclear program. However, the accord began to deteriorate following the US withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, which led Iran to gradually decrease its compliance with the agreement.
Britain, France, and Germany have cautioned the UNSC about potentially utilizing a “snapback” mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran, aiming to halt its nuclear weapon developments. However, this option will become void on October 18 when the UN resolution supporting the JCPOA lapses. President Trump has called upon US diplomats to work collaboratively to re-establish international restrictions on Iran.
In conclusion, the UNSC is poised to engage in critical discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities and its compliance with international obligations. As Iran continues to enrich uranium at alarming rates, Western nations are advocating for greater scrutiny and potential sanctions to mitigate nuclear escalation concerns. The situation remains dynamic, with the expiration of the JCPOA resolution looming on the horizon, adding urgency to the diplomatic efforts of member states.
Original Source: themedialine.org
