Current Context: : Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed an agreement to resume cooperation including relaunching inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

BACKGROUND

• Iran had earlier suspended cooperation with the IAEA due to conflicts with the United States and Israel.
• The new agreement aims to restore transparency and monitoring.

ABOUT IAEA

• Full Form: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Established: 1957
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Main Roles:
  • Administers international safeguards to verify nuclear non-proliferation commitments under the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty)
  • Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy
• JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal):
  • Iran agreed to reduce its nuclear activities
  • Allowed greater access to IAEA inspectors in return for sanctions relief