Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract The scope and implementation of nuclear safeguards have undergone massive changes and developments, which has resulted in a change in the principles and objectives of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and stricter control on peaceful nuclear programs and, in some cases, has even influenced the countries' sovereignty and security. The Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a special international agreement, has an important and decisive role in the process of the transformation and development of nuclear safeguards. Iran is one of the countries that have faced certain challenges in the international arena in recent years due to the development and strengthening of nuclear safeguards. Given the impact of the mentioned changes and the continuation of international efforts to strengthen these safeguards, it is necessary and inevitable for the country to devise and pursue a strong strategy in regard to the international process of the strengthening of nuclear safeguards in the world.
 
 

Abstract The paper illustrates the provisions of the Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, Additional Protocol and JCPOA, in terms of the inspectors’ access to military sites and the restrictions thereof. The NPT and the comprehensive safeguard agreements have not envisaged any discretionary power for the IAEA regarding the access to military sites of the States Parties. Neither the Addition Protocol has foreseen such a right. JCPOA has a sophisticated and clear provisions but not a right to access to military sites and any such an access is subject to consent and voluntary cooperation of Iran.