In 2002, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began investigating allegations that
Iran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the agency ultimately reported that some of
these activities had violated Tehran?s IAEA safeguards agreement. The agency has not stated
definitively that Iran has pursued nuclear weapons, but has also not yet been able to conclude that
the country?s nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. The IAEA Board of
Governors referred the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, the
council has adopted five resolutions, the most recent of which (Resolution 1835) was adopted in
September.
The Security Council has required Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA?s investigation of its
nuclear activities, suspend its uranium enrichment program, suspend its construction of a heavywater
reactor and related projects, and ratify the Additional Protocol to its IAEA safeguards
agreement. However, a September 2008 report from IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei
to the agency?s Board of Governors indicated that Tehran has continued to defy the council?s
demands by continuing work on its uranium enrichment program and heavy-water reactor
program. Iran has signed, but not ratified, its Additional Protocol.
Iran and the IAEA agreed in August 2007 on a work plan to clarify the outstanding questions
regarding Tehran?s nuclear program. Most of these questions have essentially been resolved, but
ElBaradei told the agency?s board in June 2008 that the agency still has questions regarding
?possible military dimensions to Iran?s nuclear programme.? A September 2008 report from
ElBaradei stated that the IAEA ?has not been able to make progress? on these matters.
This report provides a brief overview of Iran?s nuclear program and describes the legal basis for
the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council. It will be updated as events
warrant.