Background on Key Figures and Context
Masoud Pezeshki, the head of Iran’s Supreme Security Council, issued a warning that Iran will cease cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if United Nations sanctions are effectively reinstated. This decision comes after the UN Security Council approved the restoration of international sanctions against Iran on September 28, at the request of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Reasons for Iran’s Decision
Iran has expressed dissatisfaction with the international community’s failure to condemn Israeli and subsequent U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities. These attacks prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA in July, following a 12-day war initiated by an Israeli attack on Iranian territory in June.
Iran accused the UN nuclear agency of not condemning these attacks, which targeted its nuclear installations. Despite this, Iran agreed in early September to resume cooperation with the IAEA after establishing a new framework.
UN Security Council’s Decision
The UN Security Council’s approval on September 27 to reinstate sanctions, which were lifted in 2015 following the nuclear deal between Iran and several powers, is a decision that can still be reversed before the September 28 deadline.
Key Actions and Timeline
- July: Iran’s Parliament passes a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA following a 12-day war sparked by an Israeli attack on Iranian territory.
- September: Iran criticizes the IAEA for not condemning Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities.
- Early September: Iran agrees to resume cooperation with the IAEA after establishing a new framework.
- September 27: The UN Security Council approves the restoration of international sanctions against Iran at the request of France, the UK, and Germany.
- September 28: Deadline for potential reversal of the UN Security Council’s decision to reinstate sanctions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Masoud Pezeshki? A: Masoud Pezeshki is the head of Iran’s Supreme Security Council, which has the final say on security matters in Iran.
- Q: Why is Iran suspending cooperation with the IAEA? A: Iran is protesting the international community’s failure to condemn Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities.
- Q: When were UN sanctions against Iran initially lifted? A: UN sanctions against Iran were lifted in 2015 following the nuclear deal between Iran and several powers.
- Q: What prompted the recent decision by the UN Security Council to reinstate sanctions? A: The decision was made at the request of France, the UK, and Germany.
- Q: Can the UN Security Council’s decision to reinstate sanctions be reversed? A: Yes, the decision can still be reversed before the September 28 deadline.
