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RFL/RE – In a dramatic move, Iran has removed 27 surveillance cameras installed at its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It came after the UN nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution submitted by the West that criticized Iran for failing to fully cooperate with the body. The censure angered Tehran, which warned of retaliation. The monitoring equipment was installed after Iran and world powers signed a nuclear deal in 2015 that significantly limited Tehran’s sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. But the accord has been on life support since then-U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. In response, Iran has reduced its commitments and expanded its nuclear activities.
Why It Matters: Talks began in April last year to bring the United States back into the nuclear deal. But the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Vienna have been deadlocked for months. The IAEA chief has warned that Iran’s decision to remove the surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites could deal a “fatal blow” to the protracted, complex negotiations. Without the cameras, the IAEA is unable to monitor and verify Iran’s nuclear activities, which will heighten fears in the West, where there are concerns Tehran is close to amassing enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. The longer the cameras remain offline, the harder it will be to revive the deal.
What’s Next: Iran’s escalation appears to be aimed at gaining leverage in the nuclear talks. There is the risk that the move could torpedo the negotiations, but it could also create the urgency needed to finally ink a deal. A draft deal to restore the agreement has been on the table for months, but unrelated issues have prevented the sides from pulling the trigger. Experts believe the 2015 accord is still the best solution to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.
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Two Iranian aerospace officials have been “martyred” while on duty in separate incidents in the country, according to state media, suggesting both had been killed. Ali Kamani, a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) aerospace division, was killed in a “car accident” in the city of Khomein on June 12. On the same day, state media reported that Mohammad Abdus, an employee of the Defense Ministry who worked in the field of aerospace, was “martyred” during a mission in the northern province of Semnan. The IRGC’s aerospace program oversees Iran’s ballistic missile program, as well as some of the country’s air defenses.
Why It Matters: They are part of a series of recent assassinations and suspicious deaths of engineers and IRGC members in the Islamic republic, some of which Tehran has blamed on Israel. On May 31, Iranian aerospace engineer Ayoob Entezari died under unclear circumstances. His death came days after the mysterious passing of Ali Esmailzadeh, a senior officer in the Quds Force, the overseas arm of the IRGC, the elite branch of the country’s armed forces. State media reported that Esmailzadeh died after falling off his balcony. Another IRGC colonel, Hassan Sayad Khodaei, was killed by gunmen outside his home in Tehran on May 22, an attack blamed on Israel. Observers have said that the recent killings and unexplained deaths appear to reflect a change in Israeli policy toward Iran.
That’s all from me for now. Don’t forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have.
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Until next time,
Golnaz Esfandiari
