What role does the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play in relation to nuclear weapons?

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a critical role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while simultaneously working to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, the IAEA aims to facilitate the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology and to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted for military purposes. This involves monitoring nuclear facilities, conducting inspections, and verifying compliance with international agreements regarding nuclear non-proliferation.

The agency's focus is on fostering cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology—such as in medicine and energy—while also ensuring that countries adhere to commitments made under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This dual approach underscores the IAEA's key role in balancing the benefits of nuclear technology with the responsibilities associated with preventing its misuse for military aims.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the agency's mission or activities. For instance, coordinating military nuclear strategies is outside of the IAEA's mandate, as it does not engage in military aspects of nuclear policies. Likewise, developing new nuclear weapons technologies contradicts the IAEA's goals of non-proliferation and peaceful use. Finally, while the IAEA may report