Iran deal grants access to nuclear inspectors, IAEA chief says

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated that an interim U.S.-Iran peace accord provides UN nuclear inspectors access to Iran. This statement follows Iran's indication that certain key nuclear sites would remain inaccessible until a final agreement with Washington is finalized and sanctions are lifted.

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There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect.

Last week, the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to begin 60 days of talks aimed at resolving complex issues, including Iran's nuclear program. However, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, had previously stated on Wednesday that there were no plans to grant inspectors access. Grossi, speaking at a press conference in Japan, emphasized that inspections are necessary to comply with the agreement and expressed hope for their commencement soon.

Grossi confirmed that UN inspectors have already engaged in initial discussions with Iranian officials regarding technical matters. The primary objective of any visit would be to verify that IAEA seals on previously inspected materials remain intact and to ascertain if any material is missing. "Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place," Grossi asserted.

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We hope to be there soon.

The IAEA estimates that Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% before the recent conflict. This quantity, if further enriched, could be sufficient for up to six nuclear weapons, according to the agency's benchmarks. Iran has not yet informed the IAEA about the amount of its enriched uranium that survived U.S. and Israeli attacks or its current location.

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Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place.