International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
an international organization seeking to promote peaceful use of nuclear technology. Created in 1957, the IAEA assists its 168 member states in developing such technology, delineates nuclear safety standards, and monitors and inspects countries’ nuclear facilities. IAEA inspections of North Korean facilities in the summer of 1992 revealed discrepancies between the country’s declaration of its nuclear activities and the evidence collected by inspectors. The discrepancies resulted in a standoff between the IAEA, the United States, and other powers on one hand, and North Korea on the other.