Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations: R40094.

In 2002, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began investigating allegations thatIran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the agency ultimately reported that some ofthese activities had violated Tehran?s IAEA safeguards agreement. The agency has not stateddefinitively that Iran has pursued nuclear weapons, but has also not yet been able to conclude thatthe country?s nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. The IAEA Board ofGovernors referred the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, thecouncil has adopted five resolutions, the most recent of which (Resolution 1835) was adopted inSeptember.The Security Council has required Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA?s investigation of itsnuclear activities, suspend its uranium enrichment program, suspend its construction of a heavywaterreactor and related projects, and ratify the Additional Protocol to its IAEA safeguardsagreement. However, a September 2008 report from IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradeito the agency?s Board of Governors indicated that Tehran has continued to defy the council?sdemands by continuing work on its uranium enrichment program and heavy-water reactorprogram. 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 questionsregarding Tehran?s nuclear program. Most of these questions have essentially been resolved, butElBaradei 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 fromElBaradei 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 forthe actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council. It will be updated as eventswarrant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]