Loading…
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the interim peace agreement between the US and Iran grants inspectors access to the Islamic Republic's nuclear sites, but he warns that a very strong system of verification is needed to ensure Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful. Source: CNBC, Al Jazeera
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on Friday that the agency expects to be granted access soon, as stipulated in the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month. "There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect," he said. Source: CNBC However, Grossi emphasized that intentions are not enough: "In order to have certainty, we need to have a very strong system of verification as soon as practicable." Source: Al Jazeera
Despite the MoU, a "war of statements" has erupted between Washington and Tehran. The US claims that inspections were fully agreed upon, while Iran insists that access to bombed sites and accounting for enriched uranium will only be resolved within a final agreement. Source: Al Jazeera Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi tied inspections to the US "terminating all sanctions," a condition the Trump administration rejects. Source: Al Jazeera
Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after US and Israeli attacks last June but allowed inspectors back in September. However, sites that were bombed remain off-limits. Grossi acknowledged the technical work has begun but stressed that the MoU contains multiple elements beyond the nuclear issue, so timing is flexible. "It's not essential if we go in one week or two weeks," he noted. The IAEA is pushing for immediate access to verify that Iran's nuclear ambitions remain civilian.
“"There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said at a news conference in Japan on Friday.”
“"The government of Iran has affirmed quite clearly that [developing nuclear weapons] is not their intention, but of course intentions are not enough," Grossi told reporters on Friday.”
“Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday that access to the attacked nuclear sites and materials would be examined and resolved "within the framework of a final agreement" with the US.”
US and Iran sign interim deal, but disputes over inspections and assets persist