ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author derives a series of lessons from the noncompliance cases of North Korea and Iran. He argues that these lessons, which include the need for prompt and decisive action from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Security Council as well as the need for the IAEA to have enhanced authorities during crises, are “not yet learned.” This is all the more important as more and more states attain the scientific, technical, and industrial capability to develop nuclear weapons. On January 10, 2003, North Korea announced its withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a unique case to date. On February 25, IAEA inspectors discovered an Iranian pilot centrifuge enrichment facility at Natanz ready to start operation, as well as the existence of undeclared nuclear material. Three major lessons from the experience with Iran relate to dealing with a state found in noncompliance with its safeguards agreement.
