After a 12-day military campaign, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the destruction of three key nuclear sites in Iran, declaring the removal of an immediate dual existential threat, both in the nuclear domain and in the area of ballistic missiles. This action reportedly marked a significant step in countering Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a longstanding concern for the international community.
Experts, however, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in preventing Iran’s nuclear advancements. Dr. Or Rabinowitz, a nuclear proliferation scholar from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a visiting associate professor at Stanford University, emphasized that the IAEA cannot stop a country that desires to divert nuclear materials and technology for military purposes. She noted that while the IAEA can issue warnings, these have sometimes led to United Nations Security Council resolutions, but the agency lacks enforcement power, relying on the cooperation of member states.
The IAEA’s failure to prevent Iran’s nuclear enrichment program has led to calls for a reevaluation of the U.N. system. Dr. Yoel Guzansky, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, pointed out that the U.N. system has long been ineffective, and there is a need for major reforms. He highlighted that Iran’s ability to advance its nuclear ambitions was partly due to the international community’s inability to address the issue effectively, suggesting that military action might have been necessary to enforce compliance.
Despite the U.S. and Israel’s successful use of force, the IAEA has not condemned their actions, instead urging continued diplomatic efforts. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has emphasized the importance of diplomacy in maintaining the global nuclear Non-Proliferation regime. However, experts like Alan Mendoza have criticized the agency for merely protecting its position within the international system, lacking the authority to enforce compliance.
The ongoing tensions between Iran and the international community underscore the complex interplay of diplomacy, military action, and institutional oversight in addressing nuclear proliferation. As the situation continues to evolve, the role of the IAEA and the effectiveness of international cooperation remain critical factors in the broader geopolitical landscape.