IAEA Urges Cooperation from Iran over Nuclear Inspections

  • 6/4/2018
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The International Atomic Energy Agency reiterated on Monday its criticism against Iran over its slow compliance with inspections mandated under the 2015 nuclear deal. Head of the UN nuclear watchdog Yukiya Amano called on Tehran to provide "timely and proactive cooperation" in inspections that are part of the deal meant to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. He made his remarks before the IAEA board of governors in Vienna. Last month, in its first report since the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal that Israel also opposes, the IAEA said that Iran continues to stay below the maximum level to which it allowed to enrich uranium and appears to be fulfilling other obligations. But it said Iran is slow when it comes to "complementary access" inspections. Amano said that "timely and proactive cooperation by Iran in providing such access would facilitate implementation ... and enhance confidence." The other signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have been scrambling to find ways to keep it going since Trumps announcement that he would pull out and reinstate US sanctions. Last month, a senior Iranian official said US President Donald Trumps actions had left the landmark accord in "intensive care". As its price for staying in the deal, Iran has demanded European powers present an "economic package" to Iran that would mitigate the effects of US sanctions. Tehran has threatened to restart its uranium enrichment program at an "industrial level" if the 2015 pact falls apart. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, hailed Trump’s decision, calling for amending the deal with Iran. Both the US and Israel hope Trumps withdrawal can lead all sides into addressing the deals shortcomings — including "sunset" provisions that end restrictions on Iranian nuclear activities, such as enriching uranium, as well as permitting Iran to continue to develop long-range missiles. Netanyahu says that as the deal expires over the next decade or so, Iran will emerge with the ability to produce a nuclear bomb in a very short time. The Israeli premier will kick off on Monday a European tour in a bid to rally support from key allies for amending the pact and for pushing Iranian forces out of neighboring Syria. Netanyahu is set to meet with leaders from Germany, France and Britain, beginning with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday. "I will meet there with three leaders and will discuss two subjects: Iran and Iran," he said ahead of his departure, adding he wanted pressure on Irans nuclear program to be "intensified." "It could be that on this matter there isnt a consensus right now, but with time, in my opinion, that understanding will be reached." In addition to the US, the nuclear deal was negotiated by Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China. The remaining members have said they remain committed to the deal. Iran for now also is honoring the agreement, though some top officials have suggested it resumed its enrichment activities.

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