UN nuclear watchdog urges “very detailed” oversight in US–Iran deal

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog has called for stringent verification measures to be included in any potential agreement between the United States and Iran, warning that without them, any deal would lack credibility.

Speaking on April 15, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stressed the need for comprehensive monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities as diplomatic efforts continue, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“Iran has a very ambitious, wide nuclear program so all of that will require the presence of IAEA inspectors,” Grossi told reporters in Seoul. “Otherwise, you will not have an agreement. You will have an illusion of an agreement.”

He added that any agreement involving nuclear technology “requires very detailed verification mechanisms.”

The comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 14 that a second round of talks with Iran could take place within days, following an initial round held last weekend in Pakistan that failed to produce a breakthrough.

The White House has identified preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a central objective. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and has rejected limits on its activities.

According to a confidential IAEA report circulated earlier this year, the agency has not been granted access to Iranian nuclear facilities damaged during a 12-day conflict involving Israel and the United States. The report said it “cannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities,” nor determine the “size of Iran’s uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities.”

The IAEA has previously assessed that Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — close to weapons-grade levels — and notes that such material should typically be subject to monthly verification under its guidelines.

By Sabina Mammadli