 |
In 1979, at the time of the Islamic revolution and the hostage crisis, the United States imposed broad economic sanctions against Iran. Since then, Washington has imposed various additional sanctions against Tehran, accusing the Iranian government of developing nuclear weapons and sponsoring or funding terrorism abroad. The sanctions block US-based oil companies from operating in Iran, giving the US a strong incentive to generalize the sanctions and block US firms' foreign competitors from operating there as well.
In February 2003, Iran revealed its uranium enrichment program at Natanz, claiming it was using the technology for peaceful purposes and inviting the UN nuclear monitoring body, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to visit. The US, however, alleged that the program is part of a drive to develop nuclear weapons and sought to refer the Iranian case to the Security Council. However in November 2004, Tehran signed a temporary agreement with Germany, France and Britain to cease uranium enrichment and the IAEA issued Iran a clean bill of health, effectively avoiding Security Council intervention. Nevertheless, the IAEA said it could not confirm that Iran is not pursuing undeclared nuclear activities and referred the case to the UN Security Council.
In May 2006, the Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing the P5 and Germany offer of diplomatic and economic incentives and demanding that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment programs by August 31. In December 2006, after Tehran’s failure to comply, the Council imposed sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology. Following the IAEA’S offer to Tehran of a 60 day grace period where halting of the country’s uranium enrichment would be exchanged for suspension of UN sanctions which Iran did not take up, the Security Council passed Resolution 1747 in March 2007, intensifying the previous sanctions package. Iran has vowed to continue with its nuclear energy program, but informal talks continue.Key Documents
Security Council Resolution 1803 on Iran (March 3, 2008)
This Security Council resolution extends sanctions against Iran. It notes that the Iranian government attempts to enrich uranium – potentially a key component in the development of nuclear weapons. The text restricts the import of “dual use� technology used for both peaceful and military purposes, and asks UN member states to inspect cargos suspected of transporting nuclear material to and from Iran. The resolution also adds 13 names to an existing travel ban and asset freeze on companies and individuals thought to be engaged in Iran’s nuclear program.
Report of the IAEA to the Security Council (February 22, 2008)
This official International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, submitted to the Security Council, records an open verdict on Iran’s nuclear program. The report states that Iran has answered many key questions on the development of a weapons program. However, Iran has refused to cooperate with the IAEA over US allegations that Tehran is attempting to enrich uranium and develop nuclear missile heads – describing the accusations as “baseless� and “fabricated.�
Resolution 1747 (March 24, 2007)
In this resolution, the Security Council builds on its previous decision to impose sanction on Tehran by banning arms exports from Iran and imposing a freeze on the financial assets of 28 individuals and entities. After lengthy negotiations, the text takes into account some of the concerns expressed by South Africa, Indonesia and Qatar, such as the acknowledgment that all parties to the NPT, including Iran, have a right to peaceful uses of nuclear technology. The resolution also includes mechanisms for future negotiation with Iran and reference to a nuclear-free Middle East.
Draft Resolution on Iran’s Nuclear Program (March 15, 2007)
The UN Security Council's draft resolution on Iran calls again on Tehran to comply with the demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) "to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful purpose of its nuclear program." Further, it restricts the sale of arms to Iran and prohibits financial assistance to Iran other than for humanitarian purposes. The director general of the IAEA is to submit a further report within 60 days on the extent of Tehran's compliance with Resolution 1737. The draft resolution affirms that all measures taken against Iran will be suspended contingent on Iran discontinuing its enrichment program.
Resolution 1737 (December 23, 2006)
The Security Council unanimously imposed sanctions against Iran. The text, calling for steps required by the IAEA, bans trade with Iran of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Tehran’s uranium enrichment program and contains a list of persons and entities, whose assets are subject to a freeze. It also established a new sanctions committee to monitor compliance of the resolution.
Resolution 1696 (June 31, 2006)
In this resolution, the Security Council endorses the offer of diplomatic and economic incentives put forward by the P5 and Germany and demands that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment programs by August 31. Acting “under Article 40 of Chapter VII of the United Nations in order to make mandatory the suspension required by the IAEA,� the Council threatens Iran with sanctions in case of non-compliance, but avoids any implication that use of force may be warranted. Iran has rejected the resolution claiming that it has only made negotiations more difficult.
For Iran, Energy Woes Justify Nuclear Push (September 9, 2008)
In September 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) made up of several countries including the P5, granted India permission to trade in nuclear materials. India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and it tested a nuclear weapon in 1974. This Christian Science Monitor article discusses the double standard that the NSG uses in its decision on what countries can and cannot pursue nuclear energy. Iran, for example, has signed the NPT in 1968 and suspended nuclear enrichment for three years, but the NSG still does not allow Iran to develop nuclear energy.
Iran Says its Atomic Work Not a UN Council Issue (May 29, 2008)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claims that Iran has resolved most issues concerning its alleged nuclear activities, but that questions remain over the country’s research into nuclear warheads and uranium enrichment. Iran claims it has complied with all six outstanding issues that were included in the original IAEA Work Plan for Iran, and that the uranium enrichment program was never a part of the work plan and does not have to be resolved. Iran claims that UN Security Council involvement is unnecessary because it is in full cooperation with the IAEA.(Reuters)
Iran Sanctions Vote Signals a Global Rift (March 5, 2008)
Despite a 14-0 vote in the Security Council, UN member states disagreed over extending sanctions against Iran. The Christian Science Monitor reports that South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia and Libya insisted that the case against Iran was unproven and that the country needed more time to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. In response to the sanctions, Iran stated that the decision was the work “of a few powers to advance their own agenda.�
Iran Is Challenged over Nuclear Program (February 22, 2008)
The International Atomic Energy Agency will present a report to the Security Council offering a “mixed picture� of Iran’s nuclear program, says the International Herald Tribune. The report suggests that Iran has answered many of the questions posed by the UN agency, but also notes that the country has refused to stop the production of uranium fuel – which could be used to construct a bomb. The Council is considering a new resolution on Iran; with the US, France and the UK pushing for tougher sanctions against Tehran.
IAEA Denies Internal Row over Iran, Condemns “Hype� (February 12, 2008)
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) official has rejected criticism of being soft on Iran, and denied claims of a disagreement over Iran’s nuclear program. The official defended the impartiality of the IAEA, saying that it would clarify the basis of Iran’s nuclear program, before objectively presenting the facts to the Security Council. The IAEA accused “Western diplomats� of using “hype� tactics to impose further Security Council action against Iran, and noted that similar tactics had been used by the US to justify military action in Iraq. (Reuters)
Iran, the United States and Europe: the Nuclear Complex (December 5, 2007)
The author of this openDemocracy analysis goes through Iran’s nuclear and diplomatic history to explain the current geo-political relationship between the US, EU and Iran. He expects that the United States national-intelligence estimate (NIE) report, which stated that Iran stopped its nuclear power program in 2003, will help these countries resume a more diplomatic track. As well as re-establish the EU as the mediator of US and Iranian relations, as it was before Mahmoud Ahmadinejad got elected as Iran’s president.
Russia Ships Nuclear Fuel to Iran (December 17, 2007)
The Russian company Atomstroiexport resumed shipping fuel to the Iranian’s Bushehr nuclear facility. Even though the UN demanded that Iran halt its nuclear program, and the US has been pressing for more sanctions, the UN approved the Russian fuel shipments. According to Jonathan Marcus, a BBC correspondent, “The delivery of the nuclear fuel has removed one of the most significant practical sanctions against Tehran.� (BBC)
Iran, IAEA Resume Talks (December 10, 2007)
After suffering accusations from the US and two sets of sanctions, Iran has been proving that its nuclear program serves an energy purpose. Iran has answered all the questions from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Therefore both sides have resumed talks on a “plan of action to remove all technical ambiguities� about the differences over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. (Fars News Agency)
US Finds That Iran Halted Nuclear Arms Bid in 2003 (December 4, 2007)
A new report from the US intelligence community, a National Intelligence Estimate, concludes that Iran stopped working on its nuclear weapons program more than four years ago. Intelligence officials have been preparing the assessment for more than 18 months, to make sure they had the correct information. Democrats say “the intelligence community has learned its lessons from the Iraq debacle� since the report conflicts with the US administration’s suspicions on Iran. (Washington Post)
No Evidence Iran Building Nuclear Weapons: Mohamed ElBaradei (October 28, 2007)
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA, says that there is no evidence Iran has nuclear material to make weapons. He warns against the US confrontational rhetoric and says that it would lead to “a disaster.� ElBaradei does not see military action as a solution but strongly recommends continuing negotiation and inspection. (Associated Press)
UN Agrees to Delay Vote on Further Iran Sanctions (September 28, 2007)
The P-5 and Germany decided to refrain from imposing sanctions on Iran until the release of a report by Moahmed ElBaradei and Javier Solana assessing Tehran’s cooperation and the transparency on its nuclear enrichment. After two previous UN sanction resolutions, a tougher version will be put to a vote in November, unless there is a “positive response.� But, the US and Russia may disagree on how Iran is responding. (International Herald Tribune)
The Best US Weapon Against Iran Is Diplomacy (September 26, 2007)
This article argues that the US should not have attacked Iraq in 2003, but pursued diplomacy and allowed the IAEA weapons inspectors to finish their job. The author says that the US should not repeat its approach with Iraq in its dealings with Iran and negotiations must go through the UN. The article emphasizes the fact that both Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei have denied any plans to develop nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the IAEA has not found evidence of nuclear weapons or any critical levels of enriched uranium in the country. (Newsday)
IAEA Chief Warns Against Striking Iran (September 17, 2007)
The hasty 'war' reference by France’s Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has created great concern at the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, prefers a diplomatic approach in getting Iran to agree to a more transparent nuclear program. ElBaradei wants to avoid a rushed attack, like the one against Iraq. The IAEA has no reason to believe that Iran represents nuclear danger and therefore the chief argues that another war should not be an option. (Associated Press)
Iranian Raises Possibility of an Intrusion into Iraq (September 10, 2007)
Cross-border attacks from the militant Kurdish group, Pejak, have sharpened tensions at the Iraqi-Iranian border. Iran wants the Iraqi government to prevent these attacks, threatening that will respond with military action. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Mohammad Baquiri, declared the US supports Pejak, and therefore that Washington condones the attacks. Meanwhile, Kurdish victims of bombings protest in front of the Kurdish Parliament asking for UN intervention to stop the attacks. (New York Times)
Iran Nuke Pact May Be a Breakthrough (August 28, 2007)
Iran and the IAEA are concluding an agreement which includes a timetable for Tehran to report on its nuclear program. While some observers welcome the development as a breakthrough in the stand-off with Tehran, others like the US, UK and France demand some more immediate answers or they will ask the UN Security Council to impose more sanctions. (ISN Security Watch)
US Weighing Terrorist Label for Iran Guards (August 15, 2007)
The US government may label Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. This would place a sovereign country’s armed forces onto the US terrorist list for the first time. This article argues that this designation aims to increase pressure on members of the Security Council to intensify economic sanctions against Iran. If imposed, the labeling would increase “political and psychological pressure on Iran,� further isolating Tehran from “foreign governments and financial institutions.� (New York Times)
Iran: West Torn Over Carrot and Stick Approach (July 28, 2007)
This Adnkronos International article claims that UN sanctions will fail to stop Iran’s uranium enrichment unless the Security Council applies them to oil deals. For example, the Austrian oil company OMV plans to invest US$18 billion in Iran. Other EU companies, such as the French Total and Italian ENI, also retain lucrative oil deals with Iran. And although US laws do limit investments in Iran, they permit those valued at up to US$20 million.
Iran Raises Stakes in War Over Enriching Uranium (July 25, 2007)
The UN Security Council views Iran’s uranium enrichment as a nuclear proliferation threat, but Iran claims a fundamental right to do so. As a result, Tehran warned the United States that it might respond to increased UN Security Council sanctions with measures such as breaking off relations with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran claims that it has the capacity to make a bomb, but that doing so would be against a religious fatwa and would make Iran less secure. For now, Tehran has agreed to answer all of the IAEA’s questions and to allow inspection of a water-reactor near Arak. (Mail & Guardian)
Iran to Allow IAEA Access (July 14, 2007)
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani agreed to IAEA access to Iranian nuclear facilities at Arak. The IAEA also won “unspecified safeguards� at a plant near Natanz. Critics protest that the agreement does not address Iran’s uranium enrichment at Natanz, over which the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Iran. They suspect that the accord permits Iran to delay further Security Council consideration of Iran’s nuclear program and tightening of said sanctions. But an IAEA diplomat praised the deal as “not insignificant� and said that it cut “to the heart of the agency’s concerns� about Iran. (Los Angeles Times)
UN's Ban Urges Delay in Push for More Iran Sanctions (June 27, 2007)
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon requested that the US, Britain, France and Germany postpone toughening sanctions on Iran. Ban plans on using “dialogue� to coax Iran to stop its uranium enrichment program. The Secretary General explains that he employed similar tactics to negotiate the hybrid peacekeeping force for Sudan. And as with the case of Sudan, the US, UK and France disagree with China and Russia over increasing sanctions against Iran. (Bloomberg)
IAEA Says Iran Making Progress on Nuclear Program (May 15, 2007)
The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran, having overcome a major technical obstacle in its nuclear program, has now started to enrich uranium at a faster rate. However, Iran does not yet have the technology to turn the enriched uranium into a usable weapon. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei is due to report his findings on Tehran’s nuclear program to the Security Council in June. Nicholas Burns, US Under Secretary of State for Policy says that if Iran does not agree to suspend production by June, it will push for a third set of sanctions against the country. (Reuters)
Tehran Agrees to Compromise on Nonproliferation (May 10, 2007)
In a global meeting leading up to the 2010 Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran agreed to a South African-proposed phrase in the Conference agenda calling for the "need for full compliance with" the Nonproliferation Treaty. The phrase suggests the need for the US and other nuclear weapons states to disarm too. (Taipei Times)
UN Agency Confirms Iran Is Producing Nuclear Fuel (April 19, 2007)
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Iran is producing nuclear fuel at the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in contravention of Security Council resolutions. IAEA Deputy Director General Olli Heinonen’s report finds that Iran is running more than 1,300 centrifuges although there is no confirmation of how many are actually enriching uranium. Iran maintains that it will enrich uranium only to lower levels suitable to generate nuclear power, denying the Western suspicion of nuclear weaponry development. The Security Council is to discuss Iran’s compliance with resolutions in May. (Independent)
Iran at Starting Stage of Nuke Enrichment: ElBaradei (April 12, 2007)
Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei says that it would take years for Iran to be able to develop nuclear weapons although Iran is still going ahead with the construction of the Natanz reactor with the goal of having 54,000 centrifuges. ElBaradei confirms that IAEA inspectors are in Iran and could soon provide the first independent assessment of whether Iran’s nuclear program is indeed peaceful. (Reuters)
Iran Sanctions Draw Cool Reaction (March 26, 2007)
The BBC follows the reactions of the media in different countries to Security Council Resolution 1747 intensifying sanctions against Tehran. Iranian media reported mainly on Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki's speech at the UN Security Council session reflecting his position that the resolution contravenes the UN Charter. Other media reactions observed include Pan-Arab coverage, of which the strongest reaction was Al-Jazeera’s and the Syrian media, who both quoted Mottaki saying that “pressure and intimidation would not change his country's policy.� Chinese media seemed to show more optimism, stressing that a diplomatic solution was still possible.
War Is Not the Answer to Iran Puzzle (March 26, 2007)
South Africa warns of the dangers in using force against Iran. Whilst recognizing the need “to impose coercive measures such as sanctions� regarding nuclear disarmament, South Africa believes that such measures should only be a means to political dialogue to achieve a peaceful solution. South Africa proposed amendments to Resolution 1747 aiming to establish confidence in the nuclear program of Iran and these were eventually accepted by the major powers. However the main proposal to suspend measures against Iran for 90 days to give negotiations a chance was rejected by all other Security Council members. (The Star)
Iran Warns Of Nuclear Program Confrontation 'Consequences' (March 25, 2007)
Iran immediately rejected the sanctions imposed by the Security Council in Resolution 1747 and announced a partial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Commenting on the sanctions, Iraqi Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki warned that, “Actions that are illegal, unwarranted and unjustified ... reduce the credibility of the Security Council.� Mottaki feels that the drafters of the resolution lacked the will to come to a diplomatic solution, demanding that Iran first halt enrichment before engaging in negotiations on its nuclear program. (Nasdaq)
Security Council Votes to Tighten Iran Sanctions (March 24, 2007)
After weeks of negotiations, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1747 imposing amongst other measures, a freeze on the assets of 15 Iranian citizens and 13 organizations and sanction on Iran’s fourth-largest bank. The resolution also contains language on the importance of a nuclear-free Middle East and the key role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is to report back within 60 days on whether Tehran has suspended its uranium enrichment program, and if so, measures against Iran will be lifted. (New York Times)
Iran Calls for Talks Before New Sanctions (February 25, 2007)
Having reached the UN Security Council’s deadline to freeze its nuclear enrichment program, Tehran calls for further negotiation to reach a solution. However United States Vice President Dick Cheney reaffirms that Washington is leaving all options open, including military action. The British Foreign Office hopes that the Security Council will pass a tough and widely supported UN Resolution on nuclear disarmament to show a “united front� on the issue. To achieve this, a compromise with China and Russia must be found. (Guardian)
UN Deadline on Iran's Nuclear Program Passes (February 21, 2007)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has now released its report on “Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and Relevant Provisions of Security Council Resolution 1737� responding to the UN Security Council’s query whether Iran has suspended all activities mentioned in this resolution and reporting on the process of Iranian compliance with IAEA Board requirements. International Herald Tribune reports that Tehran’s failure to meet the UN’s nuclear deadline is unlikely to lead to swift UN action because there is a feeling that earlier limited sanctions are already having effects on the country.
Iran Still Defiant as Nuclear Deadline Expires (February 21, 2007)
Although vowing to continue with its nuclear program, Tehran offered to guarantee that it would not try to develop atomic weapons. Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Iran would be open to all proposals, including the temporary halting of uranium enrichment. Iran’s offers to be flexible about negotiations have been dismissed by the West as a technique to stall harsher sanctions. The UN Security Council will not take further action until March 9, giving further time for talks. (Reuters)
UN Nuclear Agency Suspends Iran Aid (February 9, 2007)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has decided to suspend nearly half of the technical aid that it provides to Iran as a punishment for the country’s refusal to stop its uranium enrichment program. The decision, in line with Security Council sanctions imposed on Iran, awaits approval by the 35 countries on the board of the IAEA. Tehran insists that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes, but many Western powers continue to fear that the uranium will be used to develop nuclear weapons. (Houston Chronicle)
Iran: Tehran to Ponder UN Offer to Delay Sanctions (January 29, 2007)
Mohammed El Baradei, the head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has offered Iran a “time-out� which would suspend sanctions against Iran for a certain period of time if Iran stops its sensitive nuclear work. The sanctions not only forbid the supply to Iran of nuclear parts and equipment, but also allow countries to individually or collectively impose international financial penalties on Tehran. Ali Larijani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, says that the UN’s offer is being considered. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)
Iran Bars 38 IAEA Inspectors (January 23, 2007)
Tehran has refused access to 38 inspectors on a list of potential officials drawn up by the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit and monitor Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran claims to have the right to bar certain inspectors, according to the agency's regulations. The move, seen as a demonstration of Iran's unwillingness to accept the UN Security Council resolution, will likely worsen the stand-off with Washington. (Voice of America)
Links
The Iranian Nuclear Dilemma
The Lawyers' Committee on Nuclear Policy puts together articles, analyses and documents on Iran 's nuclear and legal obligations. LCNP looks at the situation though the angle of non-proliferation and international law.
Nuclear Iran?
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) covers most recent developments on Iran , and provides governments, UN, NGO and media resources.
