Iran to allow UN watchdog access to 2 suspected ex-nuclear sites

Iran has agreed to allow inspectors by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog to access two suspected former secret nuclear sites, after a months-long standoff between the two sides.

The agreement reached on Wednesday came during a visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to Tehran for high-level talks.

“Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA,” Grossi and the head of Iran’s nuclear agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement.

“Dates for the IAEA access and the verification activities have been agreed.”

In exchange, the agency said it would pursue no further questions regarding this issue. 

“Both sides recognise the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the IAEA continue to be essential in the fulfilment of its verification activities,” the statement said

The IAEA had for months sought access to the sites in Tehran and Isfahan where Iran is suspected of having stored or used undeclared nuclear material.

In June, the IAEA stepped up pressure on Iran when its Board of Governors passed a resolution calling it  to let inspectors into the sites and cooperate with the agency. Until Wednesday, however, Tehran had refused to grant access arguing that the UN’s nuclear watchdog’s requests were based on allegations from Israel and had no legal basis.

“Iran, like before, is ready to cooperate with the IAEA,” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told Grossi on Wednesday, according to state media.

He called the agreement “favourable” and said it can help “finally settle issues”. Rouhani also called on Grossi to consider that Iran has “sworn enemies” with nuclear weapons who do not cooperate with the IAEA and are “always seeking to cause issues” for Tehran.

Grossi’s trip took place shortly before a September 1 meeting of the joint commission on a landmark nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Tehran and world powers.