Iran, IAEA deal leaves access unresolved
Agreement allows limited inspections as EU threatens renewed sanctions
A new agreement between Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), does not guarantee inspectors' access to Iranian nuclear sites, according to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. While the deal, reached recently, allows for the resumption of inspections at certain sites, including those previously bombed by the U.S. and Israel, specifics regarding access remain unclear. Araqchi emphasized that the agreement currently permits access only to the Bushehr nuclear plant and that further discussions on inspection procedures are necessary.
Diplomats have noted that the details of the agreement are crucial, as no joint press conference was held to clarify the "modalities" for inspections. The backdrop of the agreement includes ongoing threats from European powers to re-impose international sanctions against Iran, which were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated that the technical document agreed upon provides a clear understanding of inspection procedures and reporting requirements for all facilities in Iran, including those that have been attacked. However, the status of Iran's stockpile, which includes uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, remains uncertain.
Araqchi indicated that the upcoming meeting of the IAEA's board of governors would be critical for the future of cooperation between Iran and the agency. He expressed that the IAEA is satisfied with the terms of the agreement, which aims to resume cooperation after Iran had previously suspended it in response to an anti-Iranian resolution.
Araqchi reiterated that Iran's cooperation reflects goodwill despite facing aggression. He highlighted that the changing realities on the ground necessitated a new framework for cooperation, which was successfully negotiated. Araqchi asserted that the IAEA is the sole international authority for reviewing nuclear statuses and that its agreements consider technical factors.
