IAEA Seeks Full Reengagement with Iran, Says Chief

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aims to fully reengage with Iran to restore access to its nuclear sites and verify the country's enrichment activities, Director General Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, following the UN watchdog’s board censure of Tehran for restricting access.

Grossi told reporters in Manila that the agency’s aim was to “restore continuity of knowledge” and reestablish full verification inside Iran. His comments followed last week’s decision by the UN watchdog’s 35-member Board of Governors calling on Tehran to inform it “without delay” about the status of its enriched uranium stock and sites hit in June strikes, The Caspian Post reports citing Iranian media.

The board’s resolution, backed by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, deepened tensions with Tehran, which condemned the vote as “illegal and unjustified.” Iran said the move nullified a September inspection accord reached in Cairo with Grossi through Egyptian mediation.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the time the Western powers had “killed” the Cairo accord and accused them of seeking escalation rather than diplomacy. Iran insists its cooperation with the IAEA remains within the limits of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty but says access to bombed facilities cannot resume until safety and legal issues are addressed.