News

Iran agrees to UN nuclear watchdog s access: statement

August 26, 2020 08:52 PM


Tehran and the UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that they had reached an agreement to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency the access it has requested to two sites in Iran.

"Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," the two sides said in a joint statement, adding they had agreed on dates for the access and the verification activities there.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi travelled to Tehran this week in the Argentine's first visit there since taking on the top post at the agency last year.

On Tuesday, Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks with Grossi at a time of increased tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions.

In the statement issued by the IAEA, the two sides said the agreement followed "intensive bilateral consultations" and that the IAEA had no further access requests.

"Based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations," it said.

"Both sides recognise the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the IAEA continue to be essential in the fulfilment of its verification activities."

The IAEA monitors Iranian atomic activities on the ground with a 2015 landmark accord curbing Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

The agreement has been faltering since US President Donald Trump pulled out of it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions with remaining participants -- China, Britain, France Germany and Russia -- struggling to save it.

Access to the two disputed sites had been blocked for months, prompting a diplomatic row.

Iran had argued that the IAEA's access requests are based on allegations from the country's arch-enemy Israel and have no legal basis.

After meeting Grossi, head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said a "new chapter" had started.

 

 



Most Read

  1. Here are some unknown facts about Mahira Khan hubby Salim Karim Here are some unknown facts about Mahira Khan hubby Salim Karim
  2. Punjab declares high alert as Nipah Virus threat looms large Punjab declares high alert as Nipah Virus threat looms large
  3. Dutch scientist predicts massive quake to hit Balochistan in next 48 hours Dutch scientist predicts massive quake to hit Balochistan in next 48 hours
  4. Here's something significant about Mahira Khan’s destination wedding Here's something significant about Mahira Khan’s destination wedding
  5. Electricity bills nonpayment lands Master Tile owner in lock-up Electricity bills nonpayment lands Master Tile owner in lock-up
  6. Another video of randy biker harassing female student in Karachi surfaces Another video of randy biker harassing female student in Karachi surfaces

Opinion

  1. Wave of terror attacks targets places of worship in Pakistan, resilience remains unshaken
    Wave of terror attacks targets places of worship in Pakistan, resilience remains unshaken

    By Rehan Khan Ghauri

  2. Gandhi for the world and Godse for India:Subterfuge or plainspokenness
    Gandhi for the world and Godse for India:Subterfuge or plainspokenness

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

  3. China National Day: Strengthening China-Pakistan Friendship and Coordinated Economic Cooperation
    China National Day: Strengthening China-Pakistan Friendship and Coordinated Economic Cooperation

    By Dr Asif Channer

  4. Gender equality: A pre-requisite for a balanced society
    Gender equality: A pre-requisite for a balanced society

    By Mehak Sabir

  5. Time to move on and build a better Pakistan
    Time to move on and build a better Pakistan

    By Murtaza Rafiq Bhutto