IAEA Calls on Iran to Improve Cooperation with UN Inspectors to Avoid Heightened Tensions with the West

SadaNews - The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stated that Iran must "seriously improve" its cooperation with UN inspectors to avoid escalating tensions with the West.

Grossi mentioned to the "Financial Times" that the IAEA has conducted more than 10 inspections in Iran since its war with Israel in June, but it has not been allowed access to nuclear facilities such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were bombed by the United States.

In October, Grossi stated that movement near the Iranian enriched uranium stockpile was observed, but that "does not mean there is enrichment activity."

Following these statements, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqaei said that Grossi "fully understands the peaceful nature" of Iran's nuclear program and should not express "baseless opinions" about it.

Iranian officials accused the IAEA of justifying the Israeli bombing, which began the day after the Agency’s Board of Governors voted to declare Iran in violation of its commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Grossi told the "Financial Times" that while the agency is trying to deal with the "tense" relations with Iran with understanding, Tehran still needs to comply.

He stated, "No one can say, 'I am committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons' and then not fulfill their commitment."

Grossi added, "No one should expect the IAEA to say, 'Well, since there is a war, you are in a different category.'... Otherwise, what I will have to do is declare that I have lost all ability to access this material."