Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog seek a path forward on uranium enrichment inspections

The ongoing tensions between Israel and Tehran, coupled with Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium, have placed significant strain on the international nuclear weapons control regime. Negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are still ongoing, with the aim of expanding inspections of Iran’s atomic program.

IAEA head Rafael Mariano Grossi has expressed concerns about Iran’s enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels, potentially allowing for the production of multiple nuclear bombs. He also highlighted the agency’s challenges in ensuring that Iran’s centrifuges are not being used for clandestine enrichment.

During a visit to Isfahan, Grossi and Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, discussed the need for cooperation and the implementation of a joint statement from March 2023. This statement includes a commitment from Iran to address concerns about undeclared nuclear activity sites and to allow for further verification and monitoring activities by the IAEA.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, with recent drone and missile attacks by Tehran on Israel. Eslami accused Israel of interfering in the relationship between Iran and the IAEA, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of hostile actions that could impact interactions between the two parties.

Grossi reiterated the urgency of reaching concrete results soon, emphasizing the unsatisfactory state of the current situation. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the developments between Iran, Israel, and the IAEA in an effort to maintain stability and prevent further escalation.