Cables From The Diplomatic Frontlines - Iran's brazen violation of IAEA monitoring can lead to dangerous outcomes.

What is happening:

• Escalating tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have introduced a new layer of complexity to the already messy diplomatic landscape over efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

• Tehran's recent (unjustifiable) decision to withdraw entry visas from eight inspectors (including those with expertise in uranium enrichment and a deep knowledge of Iran's nuclear program) has strained the already challenging relationship between the Islamic Republic, the IAEA, the US, and European allies involved in this matter.

• Iran’s intransigence is both symbolically significant and practically consequential: it will hamper the IAEA's critical verification and monitoring activities, mandated under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), (irrespective of the Iran Nuclear deal/2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)).

• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is therefore correct to say that Iran’s decision would obstruct the agency's ability to carry out its duties effectively.

• But with all that said, thus far, nothing tangible has been done to reverse Iran’s decision.