International Atomic Energy Agency: Its role in Iran and North Korea Nuclear Issues

Abstract

The second quarter of 20th century saw the proliferation and horrific use of nuclear weapons. Which compelled world leaders to use atom for peaceful purposes and for this an international nuclear watch dog was developed. IAEA from the last two and half decades is dealing with the nuclear energy and nuclear weapons issues especially Iran and North Korea nuclear programs. IAEA have a well-organized structure headed by director general. In 1970 NPT emerged as a multilateral treaty signed by both nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states. IAEA with NPT provisions deal with nuclear issues. Iran and North Korea nuclear reactors inspection remained a testing ground for IAEA. NPT put enormous legal restrains upon the signatory states and increase IAEA powers to inspect declare and undeclared nuclear sites. Iran and North Korea were the signatory of NPT due to which IAEA inspections were legal to inquire the suspected sites in both the countries. The agency remained unsuccessful to resolve Iran and North Korea nuclear quagmire. Major Powers influence, UN Security Council, and the lack of well-organized enforcement mechanism are the main hurdles in the successful operations of IAEA. The agency needs to be independent from the UN Security Council and develop its own mechanism of final decision making and implementation.