ISFAHAN: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, on Tuesday, urged Iran to take concrete measures to strengthen cooperation on its nuclear program and address concerns of the international community.
Grossi, at a news conference in the city of Isfahan, said he had suggested in talks with Iranian officials that they must focus on concrete, practical, and tangible measures to enhance cooperation.
The UN atomic watchdog chief who is currently on a visit to Iran held talks with senior Iranian officials including the Atomic Energy Organization’s head Mohammad Eslami.
Director-general Grossi stressed the need to settle differences on the nuclear issue as the region of the Middle East is passing through difficult times, especially with the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
He noted that political conditions sometimes pose hurdles to full-fledged cooperation between Iran and the global community.
Agreement with Iran, still valid
Grossi said a March 2023 agreement on Iran’s nuclear program was still valid. The agreement was reached during Grossi’s last visit to Iran.
The IAEA chief said, that a slowdown had been observed as far as implementation of the agreement is concerned including a reduction in the number of inspections and withdrawal of accreditation of a group of IAEA experts by Iran.
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Iran stopped complying with nuclear activities set by a landmark 2015 agreement with major powers a year after the US in 2018 unilaterally withdrew from the deal and imposed crippling sanctions.
Head of Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami during the press conference said Iran has a legal right to reduce its commitments when the other parties do not fulfil their obligations.
Tensions between Iran and the IAEA have increased since the nuclear agreement also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) fell apart, and EU-mediated efforts have so far failed to bring Washington back on board.
