IAEA chief says Iran deal grants access to nuclear inspectors

TOKYO: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said on Friday that the interim agreement between the United States and Iran allows UN nuclear inspectors to access Iranian nuclear sites.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Grossi said the agreement requires the IAEA to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities. His remarks came after Iranian officials said some sites would remain closed until a final agreement is reached and sanctions are lifted.

The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last week, starting a 60-day period of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday there were no plans at present to allow international inspectors into the country.

Grossi said IAEA inspectors had already held initial technical talks with Iranian officials and were ready to begin inspections.

“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.”

He said the inspectors would first check whether IAEA seals on nuclear material remain intact and confirm that no nuclear material had been moved without the agency’s knowledge.

“Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place,” he said.

IAEA seeks update on uranium stockpile

The IAEA is also waiting for information from Iran on the condition of its nuclear facilities and its stockpile of enriched uranium following recent US and Israeli strikes.

Before the conflict, the IAEA estimated that Iran had about 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity. The agency says that if further enriched to weapons-grade level, the material could be be enough for about 10 nuclear weapons.

Talks between Washington and Tehran are expected to continue over the next 60 days, with IAEA inspections likely to remain a key issue.