Javad Zarif Proposes New UN-Backed Forum for Civil Nuclear Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif is introducing a novel proposal for a United Nations-endorsed forum dedicated to civil nuclear cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa, aimed at sharing enriched uranium and promoting the benefits of civil nuclear power. The initiative, outlined in a joint article with Iranian president adviser Masoud Pezeshkian and former Iranian ambassador Mohsen Baharvand, seeks to address the longstanding West's concerns about Iran's nuclear program and resolve the nuclear impasse in the region. The proposal comes amidst the backdrop of a 12-day US-Israeli bombing campaign in June, and as Iran continues to hold talks with Britain, France, and Germany, members of the European Union. Zarif's plan emphasizes the potential of nuclear science to provide solutions for pressing regional challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, food security, and energy diversification.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposal, known as the "Middle East Network for Atomic Research and Advancement" (Menara), aims to promote cooperation among countries that reject the development or deployment of nuclear weapons and commit to mutual verification of compliance.
• Menara would facilitate the sharing of peacefully produced enriched uranium and access to nuclear technology for energy production, medicine, agriculture, and scientific research among participating countries.
• The initiative seeks to reframed the nuclear debate in the region, highlighting the potential benefits of nuclear power for regional growth and sustainability in the face of dwindling oil and gas reserves.
• Iran's critics may view the proposal as a ploy to divert attention from Tehran's alleged covert nuclear plans or draw attention to Israel's undeclared nuclear program.
• The plan could provide a new, long-term context for countries in the region to develop, inspect, and control their civilian nuclear programs.
• Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium will remain a contentious issue, as Zarif's proposal suggests a way forward that could be more acceptable internationally.

Statistics:

• 12-day bombing campaign conducted by the US and Israel in June aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear sites.
• The original 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) expires in October.
• 70% of the world's enrichment facilities are located in the Middle East and North Africa (Federation of American Scientists).
• 1% of the world's nuclear energy is used by countries in the Middle East and North Africa, compared to 80% for the United States (International Atomic Energy Agency).
• By 2050, nuclear energy could become 16.7% of global electricity generation, meeting 24.7% of electricity demand (International Energy Agency).

Sources:

• Zarif, Javad, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Mohsen Baharvand. "A new forum for civil nuclear cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa." The Guardian.