IAEA chief demands strong verification system for Iran's nuclear programme

IAEA chief demands strong verification system for Iran's nuclear programme

A "very strong verification system" must be put in place to monitor Iran's nuclear programme, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has said, according to a report by the Times of Israel on Friday, June 26.

The IAEA chief called for full access to Iran's nuclear facilities, stating that ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons is the main objective of the initial ceasefire agreement with the United States.

The US and its Western allies have long warned that Iran's nuclear programme could be aimed at achieving weapons capability, though Tehran has consistently denied this, claiming its programme is entirely for civilian purposes.

Grossi said that while Iran has stated its intentions are not to build nuclear weapons, a strong verification system must be implemented as soon as possible to confirm this. He added that the IAEA's job is not to judge intentions, but to verify, and that verbal statements alone are not sufficient.

The IAEA has not yet been granted access to facilities that were struck in last year's US-Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Iran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA after the strikes but agreed to allow inspectors back in September. Inspectors have since visited several facilities, but access to the targeted sites and information on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remains unavailable.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said access to the affected sites and materials would be addressed within the framework of a final agreement with the US, adding that UN inspections depend on the lifting of all US sanctions.