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Iran Defies IAEA: New Enrichment Plans, Global Tensions | Exam Guide: Sample Q&A for Exams
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a landmark resolution censuring Iran for non-compliance with nuclear safeguards—the first such action in over two decades. This escalation follows Iran’s refusal to clarify traces of uranium at undeclared sites and its plans to expand uranium enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels (60%). The June 2025 vote, backed by Western powers but opposed by Russia and China, rekindles global fears of a nuclear crisis, sanctions snapback, and regional conflict. For India, the fallout is critical: balancing energy imports from Iran, the strategic Chabahar Port project, and ties with the US-Israel bloc poses a diplomatic tightrope.
Key Developments: IAEA’s Historic Resolution
Vote Outcome (June 2025):
19 countries (US, UK, France, Germany) backed the resolution.
Opposed: Russia, China, Burkina Faso.
11 abstentions (India likely among them).
Core Charges:
Iran failed to explain uranium traces at undeclared sites.
Violated Safeguards Agreement under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran’s Defiant Response
Plans a new uranium enrichment facility in a “secure location” (likely mountain tunnels near Natanz).
Accuses the IAEA of “political resolution,” vowing accelerated nuclear activities.
Critical Background
IAEA’s Mandate:
Monitors nuclear programs globally to prevent weaponization.
Verifies compliance via inspections (e.g., JCPOA’s 2015–2018 monitoring).
Iran’s Key Nuclear Sites:
Natanz: Underground enrichment facility (target of Stuxnet cyberattack).
Fordow: Heavily fortified enrichment plant inside mountains.
(Map Insight: Both sites in central Iran, shielded from airstrikes)
Uranium Enrichment:
Process to concentrate U-235 isotope for nuclear reactors (3–5%) or weapons (90%).
Iran now enriches uranium to 60% purity – near weapons-grade.
Global Implications
Sanctions Deadline: UN sanctions can be reimposed before October 2025 under JCPOA’s “snapback” clause.
Military Threats: US/Israel warn of potential airstrikes if diplomacy fails.
Energy Security:
Conflict risks blocking Strait of Hormuz (30% of global oil shipments).
India imports 11% of crude from Iran – prices may surge if sanctions return.
India’s Diplomatic Challenges
Balancing Act:
Energy ties with Iran vs. strategic partnership with US/Israel.
Chabahar Port project (Afghan access) depends on Iran relations.
UNSC Dilemma: Supporting IAEA risks Iran’s retaliation; opposing isolates India from the West.
Sample Q&A for Exam Prep
Q1: What triggered IAEA’s June 2025 resolution against Iran?
A: Iran’s failure to explain uranium traces at undeclared sites, violating NPT safeguards.
Q2: Name two underground nuclear facilities in Iran.
A: Natanz and Fordow – both fortified against airstrikes.
Q3: How does the JCPOA relate to IAEA’s role?
A: IAEA monitored Iran’s compliance under the 2015 deal; its access was restricted after US withdrawal in 2018.
Q4: What is uranium enrichment, and why is it contentious?
A: Concentrating U-235 for reactors (peaceful) or weapons (90%+). Iran enriches to 60%, nearing weapons-grade.
Q5: How might IAEA censure affect India?
A: Sanctions could disrupt Iranian oil imports, spike energy prices, and jeopardize Chabahar Port.
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