TEHRAN: The United Nations nuclear chief has said Iran’s pledge not to develop nuclear weapons must be backed by a “very strong” verification system as Tehran and Washington negotiate a permanent settlement to end their conflict.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday that Iran had clearly stated it did not intend to build a nuclear weapon, but added that declarations alone were not sufficient.
“Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place,” Grossi told reporters.
Inspections remain key issue
Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the main disputes in talks with the United States. Tehran and Washington signed a preliminary agreement last week to end the war and begin negotiations on wider issues, including nuclear oversight.
However, conflicting statements have emerged over whether UN inspectors will be allowed access to Iranian nuclear sites.
US President Donald Trump said Tehran had agreed to allow inspectors to return, while Iran said this week it had no intention of admitting the watchdog.
Grossi said the agency had only “barely initiated” talks with Iran after the agreement, but expected discussions to increase soon.
Uranium stockpile in focus
The deal calls for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to be downblended under IAEA supervision. Before the war, the agency estimated Iran had 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent.
Grossi said another option could be shipping the material out of Iran.
The nuclear dispute comes alongside tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s wartime actions and proposed crossing fees have drawn strong opposition from Washington and Gulf countries.
