Iranian Nuclear Program: A Chronology

Abstract

5 March 1957: Iran and the United States (US) sign a civil nuclear cooperation under the Atoms for Peace program of the Eisenhower administration.

May 1958: Iran joins the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

9 August 1963: Iran signs the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) and ratifies it on 23 December.

November 1967: Iran opens Tehran Nuclear Research Centre (TNRC) with the help of the US and the facility is equipped with a 5-megawatt nuclear research reactor fuelled by highly enriched uranium (HEU).

1 July 1968: Iran signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

February 1970: The Iranian Majlis (Parliament) ratifies the NPT and this allows Iran to pursue uranium enrichment.

1973: Shah of Iran creates the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran with the purpose of training personnel for his nuclear program and to facilitate cooperation with countries such as the US, France, West Germany, Namibia, and South Africa.

1974

15 May: Iran signs NPT’s Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. Under these safeguards, inspections would be conducted to verify that nuclear enrichment are for peaceful nuclear energy and not for any programs related to nuclear weapons or any related explosive devices. November: West German company Kraftwerk (a subsidiary of Siemens) agrees to construct two light water reactors of 1,200 megawatts at the Bushehr complex, located to the south of Tehran.

1975: Massachusetts Institute of Technology signs a contract with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to train Iranian engineers. During this year, the Ford administration supports the Shah’s nuclear program as a diversification of Iran’s energy sources.

1976

20 April: The US President Gerald Ford, with an aim to support Shah’s nuclear ambitions, issues the National Security Decision Memorandum 323. Under this memorandum Iran agrees to consult with the US “on its prospective reprocessing plans before making any firm decision whether multinational or otherwise.” Iran rejects the option of multinational and opts for a “comprehensive national nuclear program”.

1977: The Carter Administration begins renegotiations with the Shah for a nuclear energy program.

1978: Iran and the US initiates a nuclear agreement whereby the former agrees to go beyond NPT safeguards requirements and later in the year the US grants “most favored nation” status to Iran in nuclear-related matters.

1979

16 January: Shah’s regime is overthrown and triggers the Islamic Revolution. Prime Minister Shahpur Bakhtiar cancels the US$6.2 billion contract for the construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant, and the US halts its supply of HEU for the Tehran Research Reactor. 31 August: Kraftwerk stops its activities on the Bushehr reactor over non-payment of dues.

1982: Iranian officials announce a plan to build a reactor using their own uranium at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre.

1984

February: German engineers fly to Iran to discuss the feasibility of completing the Bushehr reactor but this proves unsuccessful as Iraq’s attack on 24 March damages the reactor. December: A nuclear research center at Isfahan opens with the help of China and in 1985, China provides training to Iranian nuclear experts, and provides a reactor as well as cauldron.

1987 September: Khomeini rejects Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’s (IRGC) plans to develop chemical weapons and retaliate against mustard gas attack on Iranian city of Sardasht saying “It is haram [forbidden] to produce such weapons. You are only allowed to produce protection.”

1989

9 April: Radiation Protection Act of Iran is ratified in a public session by the Parliament and is approved by the Council of Law-Guardians on 19 April.

1990: Iran and the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) begin negotiations to rebuild the Bushehr plant.

1995

January: Iran signs a US$800 million contract with Russia’s Ministry of Atomic Energy for the construction of a light water reactor at Bushehr under IAEA safeguards. The US starts to persuade Argentina, India, Spain, Germany, and France to prohibit sale of nuclear-related technology to Iran for its civilian program.

1996

July: US President Bill Clinton signs the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) in response to Iran’s nuclear program and the act becomes effective on 5 August. Due to an intense US pressure, China withdrew from a contract to build a nuclear enrichment facility in Iran.

1998

23 February: President Clinton announces that the Iranian nuclear program could pave the way to the development of nuclear weapons.

2000

14 March: President Clinton signs the Iran Nonproliferation Act which allows the President to impose sanctions against individuals or organizations aiding the Iranian nuclear program.

29 January 2002: President George W. Bush uses the term “axis of evil” and accused Iraq, Iran and North Korea of supporting global terrorism, and seeking weapons of mass destruction.

2003

July: An IAEA report mentions that Iran appeared to be in compliance with the NPT, but another report released in August talks about the traces of HEU at the Natanz’s nuclear plant. October: Khamenei reiterates Khomeini’s fatwa on the prohibition of production and use of Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) including nuclear weapons; EU-3 comprising of France, Germany, and the UK begins negotiations with Iran to limit its nuclear program and this leads to Tehran Declaration on 21 October. November: Iran agrees to halt uranium enrichment. December: Iran signs an additional protocol that allows unannounced IAEA visits to its nuclear facilities.

2004: Iran acknowledges its purchase of nuclear parts from international sources but claims them to be for electricity production. It resumes production on centrifuge parts for enriching uranium and not for enrichment activities. President Mohammad Khatami reiterates his country’s right to enrich uranium and says Iran is not developing nuclear warheads. November: Iran accepts the Paris Accord (after negotiating with Britain, France, and Germany) and agrees to temporarily suspend the enrichment activities.

2005

January: Pressures from George W. Bush administration intensifies and the president does not rule out a military action against Iran. Cooperation between Tehran and Moscow increases. 5 August: Britain, France, and Germany (EU-3) propose the “Framework for a Long-term Agreement” to Iran. 24 September: The IAEA decides to refer Iran’s noncompliance with the NPT Safeguards Agreements to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

2006

10 January: Iran resumes research at Natanz plant. 3 February: The IAEA votes to refer imposition of sanctions to the UNSC. 4 February: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad orders an end of cooperation with the IAEA. 31 July: The UNSC passes Resolution 1696 which demands the suspension of uranium enrichment program within one month but does not impose sanctions. 26 August: Ahmadinejad inaugurates a heavy water production plant in Arak. 30 September: After Libya is dropped, the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) becomes Iran Sanctions Act (ISA). 2 October: President George W. Bush signs into law the Iran Freedom Support Act that imposes economic sanctions against nations and companies which assist Iranian nuclear program. 23 December: The UNSC adopts Resolution 1737 over Iran’s failure to suspend its nuclear program.

2007

24 March: The UNSC adopted Resolution 1747, which freezes assets of 28 individuals and organizations which are found to be involved in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and one-third of them are linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The resolution also bans the sale of arms to the Islamic Republic.

2008

February 22: A report by the IAEA concludes that Iran did not answer questions raised by the international community on its nuclear program. 3 March: The UNSC adopts Resolution 1803 that imposes more economic sanctions. 27 September: Resolution 1835 is adopted by UNSC.

2009

25 February: Iran makes the first run-test of its reactor at Bushehr built with the Russian assistance. 8 April: The US announces its full participation in the P5+1 talks. 21 September: Through a letter to the IAEA, Iran reveals the existence of a second nuclear facility, located underground at a military base, near Qom. October: Meetings are held between Iran, Germany, and the UNSC permanent in Geneva and Vienna, and discuss the possible transfers of Iran’s low-enriched uranium (LEU). 25 October: IAEA inspectors visit the nuclear facility near Qom.

2010

February: President Ahmadinejad announces the production of 20 percent enriched uranium, which is an increment from 3.5 percent, and mentions Iranian capability for further enrichment. 17 May: An agreement is reached by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil for the transfer of 1,200 kilogram (kg) of LEU to Turkey, and in return, Iran is to receive 20 percent enriched uranium required for running the Tehran Nuclear Reactor. This deal is rejected by the US and European officials. 9 June: UNSC Resolution 1929 is adopted and it includes arms embargo and tightened “restrictions on financial and shipping enterprises related to proliferation-sensitive activities”. June: Virus called Stuxnet targeting computers at the Bushehr plant is detected. July: Iran declares that talks with the UNSC and Germany (P5+1) could begin in September. August: Iran begins to fuel its first nuclear energy plant in Bushehr after the completion of its construction. December: Iran begins production of yellow cake required for the production of nuclear reactor fuel. 6–7 December: Meeting between the above-mentioned countries took place in Geneva.

2011

8 January: Chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Akbar Salehi claims that Iran possesses technology to make nuclear fuel plates and rods. 21–22 January: The P5+1 talks in Istanbul fails over issues related to uranium enrichment program. May: The European Union (EU) imposes sanctions on several individuals and companies allegedly associated with the Iranian nuclear program; the US sanctions seven foreign companies for supplying refined oil and blacklists 16 firms and individuals for their involvement in the missile and nuclear program of Iran. September–November: IAEA raises concerns over Iran’s non-cooperation and cautions continued nuclear weapon program since 2003.

2012

January: Media reports suggest the production of first nuclear fuel rod by Iranian scientists and is followed by a confirmation by IAEA that uranium enrichment program has begun at the underground plant at Fordow to reach 20 percent enrichment. 23 January: The EU imposes oil embargo on Iran. IAEA continued to raise concerns about the potential military use of the nuclear program. 14 April: Iran and P5+1 meet in Istanbul to discuss the unresolved issue. May and June: Both sides meet to hold inconclusive talks in Baghdad and Moscow respectively. 12 July: The US announces fresh sanctions on Iranian companies and banks which have links with the Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. November: IAEA Chief Yukiya Amano doubts the “peaceful activities” of the Iranian nuclear program. December: The US Treasury and State Department impose sanctions and freezes assets of a few Iranian companies.

2013

2 February: US Vice-President Joe Biden says that US can have direct talks with Iran amid the standoff, and this is rejected by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 7 February. 11 February: The US Treasury Department imposes further non-proliferation sanctions on entities and individuals belonging to Belarus, China, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela. 26–27 February: P5+1 officials meet their Iranian counterparts in Almaty in Kazakhstan, and again on 5–6 April, Iran demands the world powers to recognize its right to enrich uranium. March: The US officials reportedly meet an Iranian delegation by Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Asghar Khaji. 3 June: The US for the first time imposes sanctions on the Iranian currency, rial. 19 September: President Hassan Rouhani talks of Iran seeking a nuclear accord to end sanctions. 24 September: President Rouhani tells UN General Assembly (UNGA) that “nuclear weapons have no place” in Iran. 26 September: Foreign Ministers of P5+1 countries and Iran agree to meet in Geneva. 27 September: President Barack Obama telephones his Iranian counterpart and discusses efforts to end the nuclear crisis; this is the first such communication between the two presidents since 1979. October–November: Diplomats belonging to P5+1 countries and Iran hold several rounds of meetings. 11 November: IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano and President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi sign Joint Statement on Framework for Cooperation. 24 November: An interim nuclear agreement is signed by P5+1 and Iran in Geneva, in exchange for modest relief of sanctions for six months. December: Meetings continue and discuss the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action agreed in November.

2014

January: The Joint Plan of Action becomes effective, and the EU announces the suspension of a few sanctions. Iran states its suspension of “high levels of uranium enrichment.” 18–20 February: P5+1 and Iran agree on a framework on final negotiations. March–April: Meetings continue but no substantial progress is made over issues related to uranium enrichment. July: After marathon discussions, both sides agree to extend talks to November. As Iran agrees to reduce enriched uranium to 20 percent, the P5+1 countries decided to repatriate $US2.8 billion worth of restricted funds. September: P5+1 and Iran resumes talks on the sideline of the UNGA. 14 and 16 October: Both sides meet in Vienna and continue negations; Disagreements remained pertaining to the uranium enrichment. 24 November: The deadline for negotiations set in July is missed and both sides decide to extend it by seven months and state that at least a “political agreement (would) be in place by March [2015].”

2015

January: The US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met in Geneva and Paris. 23 February: P5+1 and Iran concluded a round of talks in Geneva. 2–5 March: Foreign Ministers of P5+1 and Iran resume talks in Monteux in Switzerland; in one of the separate meetings, Zarif meets with Kerry and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva. 2 April: P5+1 and Iran reach an understanding in Lausanne in Switzerland for final agreement to be drafted by 30 June and this is announced by Zarif and the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. April: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, EU Political Director Helga Schmidt, US Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and deputy in foreign minister of the P5+1 meet in Vienna and discuss the draft of the final agreement. 27 April: Kerry and Zarif meet on the sidelines of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty Conference in New York and such meetings continue in May and June. 30 June: It is announced that talks would continue till 7 July and was later extended to 10 July and then 13 July. 14 July: Foreign Ministers from P5+1 and Iran reach Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 20 July: UNSC adopted Resolution 2231 and endorses the Agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

UNSC Resolutions

The following Resolutions are adopted by the 15-member UNSC

Resolution 1696 (2006): Adopted by the Security Council at its 5500th Meeting, on 31 July 2006.

This resolution demanded Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities within one month from its adoption. Voting:

14 in Favor—China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Argentina, Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Ghana, Greece, Japan, Peru, Slovakia, and Tanzania.

1 Against—Qatar

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1696(2006).

Resolution 1737 (2006): Adopted by the Security Council at its 5612th Meeting, on 23 December 2006.

This resolution was adopted due to Iran’s failure to comply with the Resolution 1696 and its continued uranium enrichment activities.

Voting: Unanimous

China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Argentina, Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Ghana, Greece, Japan, Peru, Qatar, Slovakia, and Tanzania.

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1737(2006).

Resolution 1747 (2007): Adopted by the Security Council at its 5647th Meeting, on 24 March 2007.

This resolution called for the imposition of arms embargo on Iran, and to freeze the assets of individuals and organization involving in the nuclear and missile programs.

Voting: Unanimous

China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, and Slovakia.

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1747(2007).

Resolution 1803 (2008): Adopted by the Security Council at its 5848th Meeting, on 3 March 2008.

This resolution called for more sanctions on Iran for its refusal to suspend its nuclear-fuel activities.

Voting Break-up:

14 in Favor—China, Russia, France, United Kingdom, United States, Burkina Faso, Belgium, Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, Libya, Panama, South Africa, and Vietnam

1 Abstained—Indonesia

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1803(2008).

Resolution 1835 (2008): Adopted by the Security Council at its 5984th Meeting, on 27 September 2008.

This resolution was adopted as Iran did not comply with the earlier resolutions and demanded to end its nuclear program.

Voting: Unanimous

China, Russia, France, United Kingdom, United States, Burkina Faso, Belgium, Costa Rica, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy, Libya, Panama, South Africa, and Vietnam

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1835(2008).

Resolution 1929 (2010): Adopted by the Security Council at its 6335th Meeting, on 9 June 2010.

This resolution included provisions which restricted Iran from investing in nuclear-related activities abroad, expanded the arms embargo, prohibited Iran from pursuing its ballistic-missile programs, and tightened financial sanctions.

Voting Break-up:

12 in Favor—China, Russia, France, United Kingdom, United States, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Gabon, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Uganda.

2 Against—Brazil and Turkey

1 Abstained—Lebanon

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1929(2010).

Resolution 2231 (2015): Adopted by the Security Council at its 7488th Meeting, on 20 July 2015.

This resolution endorsed the nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran signed by P5+1 and Iran on 14 July 2015. This would further lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iran.

Voting: Unanimous

China, Russia, France, United Kingdom, United States, Angola, Chad, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, and Venezuela.

Text of the resolution: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/2231(2015).

IAEA Resolutions

The following resolutions are adopted by the 35-member Board of Governors of the IAEA.
1.
Resolution on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran adopted on 12 September 2003.

This resolution called on Iran to provide transparency and cooperation to assurances as demanded by the agency’s member states.

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC46/DailyWrap/wrap1909.html
2.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 26 November 2003.

This resolution was adopted due to Iran’s failure to report materials, facilities, and activities according to the Safeguards Agreements, and it asked for the suspension of uranium enrichment activities.

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC47/DailyWrap/newly_elected_BoG.html; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3238306.stm
3.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 13 March 2004.

This resolution acknowledged Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA but also mentioned that “cooperation so far has fallen short of what is required, calls on Iran to continue and intensify its cooperation.”

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC47/DailyWrap/newly_elected_BoG.html
4.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 18 June 2004.

This resolution deplored Iran as it did not provide “full, timely, and proactive” cooperation with the IAEA, and called on Iran “to take all necessary steps on an urgent basis to help resolve all outstanding questions.”

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC47/DailyWrap/newly_elected_BoG.html
5.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 18 September 2004.

This resolution called on Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, and “to reconsider its decision to start construction of a research reactor moderated by heavy water.”

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, and Vietnam.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC47/DailyWrap/newly_elected_BoG.html
6.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 29 November 2004.

This resolution noted the practices of Iran which had resulted in “many breaches of obligations to comply with its Safeguards Agreement,” but at the same time “acknowledged [Iran’s] corrective measures described in the Director General’s report.”

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC48/index_day4.html
7.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Related Board Resolutions, adopted on 11 August 2005.

This resolution again urged Iran to fully suspend the uranium enrichment-related activities and “to permit the Director General to re-instate the seals that have been removed at that facility.”

Adopted through consensus. Its members include: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC48/index_day4.html
8.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 24 September 2005.

This resolution recalled the failures of Iran while meeting its obligations under the NPT Safeguards Agreement, and deplored its continuous enrichment activities.

Voting Break-up:
22 in Favor—Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States.

12 Abstained—Brazil, Algeria, China, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen.

1 Against—Venezuela.

Text of the resolution: http://www.acronym.org.uk/official-and-govt-documents/iaea-resolution-irans-non-compliance-npt-safeguards
9.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 4 February 2006.

This resolution raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, expressed the need for confidence-building to resolve the issues, and recognized that “a solution to the Iranian issue would contribute to global nonproliferation efforts, and to realize the objective of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, including their means of delivery.”

Voting Break-up:
27 in Favor—Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, the United States, and Yemen

5 Abstained—Algeria, Belarus, Indonesia, Libya, and South Africa

3 Against—Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela

Text of the resolution: http://www.iranwatch.org/library/international-organization/international-atomic-energy-agency-iaea/iaea-board-governors-vote-tally-2-4-06
10.
Implementation of the NPT Safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2207), 1803 (2008) and 1835 (2008) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 27 November 2009.

This resolution urged Iran to comply with the obligations, to engage with IAEA to resolve all the outstanding nuclear-related issues, to provide clarifications regarding the purpose of the plat at Qom, and requested the Director General to continue with his efforts in implementing the Safeguards Agreement.

Voting Break-up:
25 in Favor—Argentina, Australia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

6 Abstained—Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey

3 Against—Cuba, Malaysia, and Venezuela

1 Absent—Azerbaijan

Text of the resolution: https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC53/#day-4; http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2009_12/IAEAIran
11.
Implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of the United Nations Security Council resolutions in Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 18 November 2011.

This resolution reaffirmed the rights of the members of the NPT “to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” but stressed concerns on Iran’s defiance of the obligations and urged Iran to comply with the requirements of the IAEA Board of Directors and the UNSC Resolutions.

Voting Break-up:
32 in Favor—Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Niger, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

1 Abstained—Indonesia

2 Against—Cuba and Ecuador

Text of the resolution: http://www.sipri.org/yearbook/2012/files/SIPRIYBc08sIII.pdf; https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC55/
12.
Implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of the United Nations Security Council resolutions in Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 13 September 2012.

This resolution expressed major concerns with Iran’s enrichment and heavy water-related activities, which were in “contrary to the relevant resolutions of the Board of Governors and the UN Security Council.”

Voting Break-up:
31 in Favor—Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Niger, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

3 Abstained—Egypt, Ecuador, and Tunisia

1 Against—Cuba

Text of the resolution: http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=95506; https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC55/
Alvite Singh Ningthoujam PhD Candidate Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi E-mail: alvite_n@yahoo.com