UN Nuclear Watchdog Urges Iran to Grant Full Access

AFP/APP

Vienna:The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday adopted a resolution calling on Iran to grant full access and information regarding its nuclear programme as required under UN Security Council resolutions.

The vote came a day after IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reiterated his demand for Tehran to allow inspections at key nuclear sites that were struck by Israel and the United States during the June conflict. Tensions between Iran and the UN watchdog have remained high in recent years and were further inflamed after the 12-day war, which targeted several Iranian nuclear facilities.

Since the attacks, Iran has denied inspectors access to sites such as Fordo and Natanz, although the Agency continues to conduct inspections at other facilities.

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Thursday’s resolution “urges Iran to comply fully and without delay with its legal obligations under UNSC resolutions and to extend full and prompt cooperation to the IAEA, including by providing such information and access that the Agency requests,” the text stated.

The resolution passed with 19 votes in favour, three against, and 12 abstentions.

Grossi told reporters that while some inspections had been carried out, access to the attacked sites remained blocked. “I hope we will be able to go. Indeed, we have to go because this is part of Iran’s commitments,” he said at the opening of the Agency’s board meeting.

Iran, however, maintained its stance. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Tehran would not cooperate with the IAEA “regarding the bombed sites.”

“We only cooperate regarding nuclear facilities that have not been affected, in compliance with IAEA regulations,” he stated on Telegram.