The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Friday that United Nations nuclear inspectors will gain access to Iran under the interim peace accord signed with the United States last week. This statement came after Tehran had indicated that key sites would remain off-limits until a final deal was reached and sanctions lifted.
Interim Accord and Initial Talks
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for 60 days of negotiations to resolve thornier issues, including those related to Iran's nuclear programme. However, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said on Wednesday that there were no plans to grant access to inspectors at this stage.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi countered that assertion during a press conference in Japan. “There is an agreement, and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect,” Grossi said. “We hope to be there soon.”
Initial Exchanges and Verification Goals
Grossi revealed that IAEA inspectors have already held an initial exchange with Iranian officials to discuss technical issues. The first goal of any visit to Iran would be to check whether IAEA seals on previously inspected material remained intact and whether any material was missing. “Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place,” he emphasized.
Uranium Stockpile Concerns
Iran has not informed the watchdog how much of its enriched uranium survived US and Israeli attacks or where it is located. Before the conflict began, the IAEA estimated that Iran had 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60%. If enriched further, that amount would be enough for 10 nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick.
