BICOM

Talks in Tehran between the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iranian officials ended with no announcement regarding greater transparency over Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to Reuters, an IAEA spokesperson would only confirm that talks took place and that the IAEA was not intending to issue a statement. In November, Iran agreed with the IAEA that it would comply with seven transparency steps to help address suspicions over a military dimension to Iran’s nuclear development. However, it is thought that outstanding questions remain regarding so-called Explosive Wire Detonators, which can be used to help trigger an atomic explosion, but which Iran claims are being developed for civilian use. This week’s meeting comes just days before the IAEA is set to issue its latest quarterly report on Iran’s nuclear activity.

Although the IAEA talks with Iran are separate from the diplomatic process between Tehran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany), they are considered complimentary, as a measure of Iranian openness. Talks in Vienna last week between P5+1 representatives and Iranian officials also ended without any tangible progress made, as the two sides look to reach a long-term agreement over Iran’s nuclear development before 20 July. It is thought that wide gaps remain on a number of issues, including Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity, the Arak heavy water reactor and “possible military dimensions” to the Iranian programme.

Also last week, it was reported that the United Nations (UN) Panel of Experts, which is tasked with monitoring Iran’s adherence to internationally agreed sanctions, revealed that, “Iran is continuing development of its ballistic missile and space programmes.” In a leaked copy of the panel’s report, Iran’s ballistic missile programme was described as “opaque” and accused Iran of seeking “metals as well as components for guidance systems and fuel.” In 2010, the UN passed a resolution banning Iran from developing missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.