Israel and US launched air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities after IAEA board voted to declare Iran in violation of obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- IAEA has been entrusted with a specific role in NPT as the international safeguards inspectorate.
- IAEA administers international safeguards to verify the non-proliferation commitment of non-nuclear weapon States party to the NPT.
- IAEA also facilitates development of applications of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in non-nuclear weapon states party.
Iran suspending cooperation with IAEA is another example in ongoing erosion in the role of international or intergovernmental organizations. Such erosion is evident through:
- Weakening of International Institutions’ Authority: Manifests in decreased compliance with international law, and withdrawals of commitments. E.g. US exit from Paris Climate Agreement.
- Crisis of Credibility: Organizations become dysfunctional on various issues due to lack of consensus and often decisions are influenced by developed countries questioning their independent working.
- Demonstration of Ineffectiveness: Lack of enforcement powers, resource crunch, and outdated governance structures are exposed.
- Loss of Legitimacy: Such as the UN Security Council's imbalanced composition and the veto power of five permanent members.
