Trump Assures: Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Delayed for ‘a Very Long Time’

The recent military actions by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Iran’s nuclear sites have sparked a lot of discussion. After 12 days of conflict, both leaders claimed victory, stating they had destroyed three key nuclear facilities. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which had been monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for nearly two decades without such decisive action.

Dr. Or Rabinowitz, a nuclear proliferation expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, expressed skepticism about the IAEA’s ability to prevent nuclear weapons development. She pointed out that the agency can issue warnings but lacks the authority to enforce compliance. Its effectiveness largely depends on the cooperation of its member states.

A recent IAEA report highlighted Iran’s significant stockpile of enriched uranium—about 409 kilograms, enough for potentially nine nuclear bombs. This lack of transparency from Iran led the agency’s board to declare, for the first time in 20 years, that Iran was not complying with its non-proliferation obligations.

Dr. Yoel Guzansky, from the Institute for National Security Studies, criticized the U.N. for its failures in dealing with Iran. Just days before the conflict escalated, Iran’s Foreign Minister spoke at the U.N. Human Rights Council, underscoring the disconnect in international responses—a perceived failure of the U.N. system itself.

Guzansky noted that while the IAEA has its achievements, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. The agency has provided insights that have helped nations like Israel and the U.S. better understand Iran’s nuclear endeavors over the years. However, efforts to fully prevent non-compliance have fallen short.

On Iran’s side, officials maintain that their nuclear activities are peaceful. Alan Mendoza from the Henry Jackson Society emphasized that Iran has been deceitful, often developing secret programs while avoiding full IAEA scrutiny. He pointed out that the IAEA isn’t at fault for this situation; its role is investigative, lacking enforcement capabilities.

As the international community watches these developments closely, the conversation around nuclear non-proliferation becomes more urgent. Understanding the effectiveness of organizations like the IAEA—and how they can adapt to evolving threats—remains crucial for global security.

For a deeper dive into the complexities of nuclear regulation and non-proliferation, you can explore the [U.N. Office for Disarmament Affairs](https://www.un.org/disarmament) for more information on their initiatives and reports.

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