IAEA Chief Grossi calls for restart of nuclear inspections in Iran

VIENNA: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for nuclear inspections in Iran to resume following the ceasefire between the Islamic Republic and Israel, reported German news agency dpa.

AI Brief

IAEA Chief Grossi urges renewed cooperation with Iran to resolve nuclear disputes.
Iran holds over 400 kg of uranium enriched near weapons-grade, with inspectors ready to verify.
Despite recent Israeli and US strikes, Iran pledges to continue its nuclear programme.

"Resuming cooperation with the IAEA is key to a successful diplomatic agreement to finally resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"I've written to Foreign Minister [Abbas] Araghchi stressing the importance of us working together and proposing to meet soon," Grossi said.

IAEA inspectors remained in Iran throughout the conflict and are ready to return to the country's nuclear facilities to verify its stockpiles of nuclear material, according to the statement.

These include more than 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, which is close to weapons-grade level.

Inspectors last accessed Iran's nuclear sites just days before Israeli airstrikes began on June 13.

In recent weeks, senior officials in Tehran had hinted at a possible suspension of cooperation with the nuclear monitoring body based in Vienna.

The extent of the damage caused by recent Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities remains unclear. Despite the attacks, Foreign Minister Araghchi has reaffirmed Iran's intention to continue its nuclear programme.

--BERNAMA-dpa