Los Angeles Times: “World’s Most Robust” Nuclear Inspection Program Under Fire

A team of nuclear inspectors conduct constant surveillance of nuclear sites in Iran and run stringent tests with nuclear equipment that is under fiber-optic seals. “The International Atomic Energy Agency describes the transcontinental monitoring program it operates as the toughest and most technologically advanced inspections regime put in place to prevent a country from developing an atomic bomb,” reports Shashank Bengali for the Los Angeles Times. About 10 IAEA inspectors are at Iranian sites every day and report compliance. The Trump administration is not satisfied and criticizes Iran for “testing ballistic missiles, imprisoning Americans and allegedly arming Shiite Muslim rebels in Yemen.” The UN watchdog agency tries to stay neutral and its budget at $425 million is less than half that of the Los Angeles police department. US law requires the president to recertify the Iran deal – which also includes Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany – every 90 days. Despite having done so twice, Trump may not re-certify by October 15. That would defy advice from his senior advisors and push Congress to impose sanctions, and that could trigger more conflict in the Middle East. – YaleGlobal