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UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has condemned Iran’s “disproportionate and unprecedented” move to block several inspectors appointed to the country, hindering its monitoring of Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Iran’s move is a response to a call this week at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors led by the United States, Britain, France and Germany for Tehran to comply with the IAEA on issues including explaining traces of uranium found at undeclared sites. Was asked to immediately cooperate with.
However, Grossi clarified that he believed Iran had overreacted.
“I strongly condemn this disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral measure that disrupts the normal planning and operation of agency verification activities in Iran and openly contradicts the cooperation that the agency and Iran have enjoyed,” he said in a statement Saturday. Must exist between.”
Iran’s move, known as “dedesignation” of inspectors, is permitted; Member states can generally veto inspectors appointed to visit their nuclear facilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and each country’s safeguards agreement with the agency controlling the inspections.
But the IAEA said Tehran’s decision went beyond normal behavior. It said Iran had told it it would detain “several” inspectors, without specifying numbers.
“These inspectors are among the most experienced agency experts with unique knowledge in enrichment technology,” the agency said.
“With today’s decision, Iran has effectively removed approximately one-third of the core group of the agency’s most experienced inspectors designated for Iran.”
Iran defended its move and accused the United States, Britain, France and Germany of politicizing the IAEA watchdog.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani told state media, “Unfortunately, despite Iran’s positive, constructive and continued dialogue with the agency, three European countries and the United States have taken advantage of the (IAEA’s) Board of Governors for their own political purposes.” misused.”
“Of course, Iran will continue its positive cooperation within the framework of the agreements reached and insist on the need for neutrality of the agency,” he said.
A Vienna-based diplomat said Iran had de-designated all French and German members of the IAEA inspection team. There were already no American or British members.
The IAEA said, “This measure, while formally permitted by the NPT safeguards agreement, has been used by Iran in a manner that directly and seriously impacts the IAEA’s ability to effectively conduct inspections in Iran.” Does.”
Grossi said: “I call on the Iranian government to reconsider its decision and return to the path of cooperation with the agency.”
The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
