NEW YORK: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Wednesday that his country has no issue with the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspection of its nuclear sites.
The statement comes days after Tehran barred several inspectors assigned to the country.
“We have no problem with the inspections but the problem is with some inspectors … those inspectors that are trustworthy can continue their work in Iran,” Raisi told a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Raisi clarified that Iran does not have an issue with inspections per se, rather, it’s specific inspectors that have raised concerns. Those inspectors whom Iran considers trustworthy will be allowed to continue their work in the country.
This response from Iran comes after Tehran recently barred multiple inspectors assigned to the country. This decision was prompted by a call led by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors. These Western nations called for Tehran’s immediate cooperation with the agency, particularly concerning the explanation of uranium traces discovered at undisclosed sites.
President Raisi attributed Iran’s decision to respond to what they perceived as unfair statements made by Western members of the IAEA. He emphasized that the move, known as “de-designation” of inspectors, is within the bounds of international agreements. Member states generally have the authority to approve or veto inspectors assigned to visit their nuclear facilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and their safeguards agreements with the IAEA.
Despite the differing perspectives on this matter, it’s important to note that dialogue and cooperation remain essential for addressing issues related to nuclear inspections and maintaining international peace and security.
