ISTANBUL, Turkiye: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, today said that nuclear inspections at Iran’s enrichment sites will proceed despite Tehran’s objections, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing Euronews.
Pointing to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the United States (US) and Iran, Grossi rejected Iran’s denials that it had agreed to nuclear inspections during a news conference at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
The accord “says explicitly that the nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regards to the nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA – in all letters”, Grossi told reporters.
“Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen,” he further said.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday insisted that Iran will allow nuclear inspectors into the country despite Tehran’s denials, saying the inspectors will be on the ground “at an appropriate time”.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed Iranian claims that there are no scheduled visits for the IAEA inspectors despite an announcement from US Vice-President, JD Vance, that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country.
The US and Iran remotely signed an MOU last week, launching a 60-day negotiating window to resolve disputes, including the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, its nuclear programme, and other unresolved issues.
The 14-point document calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, the removal of the naval blockade on Iran, and safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
It also includes a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran valued at a minimum of USD300 billion (approx. RM1.24 trillion), oil export waivers, the release of Iran’s frozen assets, and a reaffirmation by Tehran that it will not develop nuclear weapons. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
