Iran under ‘Most Robust’ Nuclear Inspection – IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has defended the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, saying the Islamic Republic is under “the world’s most robust” nuclear inspection regime, according to Press T.V.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano made the remarks at a panel discussion on global nuclear governance in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia earlier this week amid Washington’s pressure on the agency to request access to Iran’s military sites.

 Amano hailed the “important” role played by the UN nuclear agency in the finalization of the landmark accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying that the JCPOA “represents a clear gain for nuclear verification.” 

The IAEA “is now verifying and monitoring Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under that agreement, acting as the eyes and ears of the international community,” the UN nuclear chief said.

 “Iran is subject to the world’s most robust nuclear verification regime. Our inspectors are on the ground 24/7. We monitor nuclear facilities, using permanently installed cameras and other equipment,” he added.

Under the deal, Amano said, Iran has accepted restrictions on its nuclear program and the IAEA has expanded access to its sites and information.

The deal demonstrated that even complex issues can be resolved if all parties were committed to “dialogue aimed at achieving results,” he said.

The remarks came at a time when Washington, which is a party to the agreement, seems to be laying out a case for abandoning it.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley traveled recently to Vienna to press the IAEA on accessing Iran’s military sites.

R.S