Publication

This paper addresses the role the IAEA will play in monitoring and verifying Iran's compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was reached in July 2015 between the P5+1 countries and Tehran on the latter's nuclear program. The author first outlines the measures and mechanisms determined by the JCPOA that will allow the IAEA to examine Iran's compliance with the agreement. He then looks at the key issues in the debate about the IAEA's ability to effectively perform its monitoring task. These include 1) how the IAEA can report on the possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear program, 2) the absence of details in the JCPOA concerning access of the IAEA to Iran's nuclear facilities, and 3) the ability of the IAEA to carry out its JCPOA responsibilities given the extent of its capabilities and resources.