The interim US-Iran peace accord gives UN nuclear inspectors access to Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday, stressing that inspections must take place to verify Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Grossi’s remarks came after Iran indicated that key nuclear sites would remain off-limits until a final agreement with Washington is reached and sanctions are lifted.
Speaking at a press conference in Japan, Grossi said the recent US-Iran agreement requires IAEA access to Iran’s nuclear programme.
“There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect,” he said. “We hope to be there soon.”
Grossi said the objective of the agreement is to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. He noted that the Iranian government has clearly declared that developing nuclear weapons is not its intention, but added that statements alone are not sufficient.
IAEA calls for strong verification system
“Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place,” Grossi said. He added that such a system should be established as soon as practicable following the recent Middle East conflict.
According to Grossi, UN inspectors have already held an initial exchange with Iranian officials to discuss technical issues.
Grossi said the first goal of any visit to Iran would be to verify whether IAEA seals on previously inspected material remain intact. Inspectors would also check whether any nuclear material is missing.
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Iran has not yet informed the watchdog how much of its enriched uranium survived US and Israeli attacks, or where the material is currently located.
Iran had resisted access
The United States and Iran last week signed a memorandum of understanding that paved the way for 60 days of talks on more difficult issues, including 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.
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Tehran has suggested that key sites would remain inaccessible until a final deal with Washington is reached and sanctions are lifted.
IAEA estimates uranium stockpile
The IAEA estimates that Iran had 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% before the conflict began. If enriched further, that amount would be enough for 10 nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick.
Grossi said the verification process is necessary to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful and that no nuclear material is diverted.
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