Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to the press, Vienna, Austria, May 24, 2021 (Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock)
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has expressed concern about Iran’s lack of credible explanations for traces of uranium at three undeclared sites.
Grossi said on Wednesday that it is not his job to give an ultimatum to Iran. However, he called for the truth about technical matters: “They know they have to provide explanations. We are asking them to come clean with all these things because it can only help them.”
Iranian officials have said one of the three sites was a carpet cleaning facility.
In the midst of talks with Tehran over the continuation of IAEA inspections Grossi said Iran, the US, and the other 5+1 Powers (UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia) cannot just return to the 2015 nuclear deal. Instead, a new understanding is needed because of Iran’s research and development, including advanced uranium centrifuges.
The fifth set of indirect talks between Iran and the US, brokered by the European Union and the other powers, opened in Vienna this week.
Meanwhile, Iran is threatening to terminate its agreement with the IAEA. In February, Tehran blocked snap inspections and began withholding video surveillance tapes from Agency. The steps accompanied withdrawal from the Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Last weekend, Iran said it might not renew the agreement which expired on Saturday. A day later, the Atomic Energy Organization and Grossi announced a one-month extension. However, Tehran will continue to withhold the surveillance tapes.
In January, Tehran returned to its pre-2015 level of enrichment of 20% uranium. Last month, after an attack — believed to be organized by Israel — on its Natanz nuclear complex, Iranian officials announced the start of 60% enrichment.
Military-grade uranium is at a purity of more than 90%. President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif say Iran is still committed to its pledge against possessions of atomic weapons.
“This is Going to Affect Your Credibility”
Grossi addressed Iranian officials yesterday about the issue of the uranium traces:
This is going to affect the credibility of your country in general and the chances for any bigger wider agreement that you want to enter with your counterparts in the JCPOA [2015 nuclear deal].
My responsibility is the credibility and integrity of the non-proliferation regime. I could say, “Don’t say anything,” but then five years down the line something happens, and then it is a dereliction of duty on our part.
He countered claims that the undeclared sites were a historic matter, long predating the 2015 agreement.
We know that something happened here. There is no way round it. We have found this. There was material here. When was this? What has happened with this equipment? Where is the material. They have to answer.
khamenei rejects objection to the election process and defends the guardian council….
https://www.radiofarda.com/a/khamenei-defended-the-performance-of-the-guardian-council-and-called-for-disregard-for-the-election-boycott/31276276.html
In farsi:
The assembly of religious studies and teaching of Qom(a very conservative group) says:
“…the republic dismisses people’s will…”
“…the guardian council only values its own benefit and not those of people…therefore this election is an appointment…”
https://www.radiofarda.com/a/a-political-and-religious-organization-criticizes-the-widespread-disqualification-of-candidates-in-the-1400-election/31276483.html
The mullah state at its best:
IFJ Warns Of Harassment Of Journalists In Iran As Election Campaign Starts
https://www.rferl.org/a/31276252.html
“They know they have to provide explanations. We are asking them to come clean with all these things because it can only help them.”
This statement is so stupid. You are hoping the explanation is something like “the wind blew uranium over to these undeclared sites”?
How is iri admitting they are cheating is going to help them? You are going to reward their cheating or reward them for admitting to cheating?