IAEA chief arrives in Tehran to seek access to suspected Iranian nuclear sites

chief of International Atomic Energy ncy (IAEA) arrived in Iran on August 24 to seek access to two suspected former nuclear sites after a months-long standoff between nuclear watchdog and Tehran. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said in a statement ahe of visit that he wants to reinforce importance of cooperation and full implementation of all safeguards commitments and obligations with UN body.

“My objective is that my meetings in Tehran will le to concrete progress in dressing outstanding questions that ncy has related to safeguards in Iran and, in particular, to resolve issue of access,” he said.

Earlier in June, IAEA Board of Goverrs opted a resolution submitted by France, Germany and UK, calling on Iran to fully cooperate with nuclear watchdog in implementing its NPT Safeguards Agreement. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzeh told reporters that re will be problems between IAEA and Tehran as long as watchdog distances itself from “political pressure of or countries.”

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On June 19, resolution, opted by 25-2 vote with 7 abstentions, stressed importance of States complying fully with ir safeguards obligations and facilitating access as required when tified by IAEA. It also emphasised “essential and independent role” of nuclear watchdog in verifying Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations.

Call for cooperation

UN nuclear watchdog has been overseeing Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly kwn as Iran nuclear deal, and issuing quarterly updates to its member states. In March, Grossi h called on Iran to cooperate immediately and fully with ncy and provide prompt access to locations which it has refused to let inspectors visit.

“ ncy sought access to two of locations. Iran has t provided access to se locations and has t engd in substantive discussions to clarify ncy’s questions,” he h said.

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