In a significant development amidst ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami hinted that Tehran might consider allowing American inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit its nuclear sites. This concession could come into play if talks aimed at resolving long-standing disputes around Iran’s nuclear programme achieve progress.
Context of the Talks
The talks, involving the Iranian and US governments, aim to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly uranium enrichment. Eslami asserted that while it’s standard practice to restrict access to inspectors from nations deemed hostile, the situation could change if a nuclear deal is reached. He stated: “It is normal that inspectors from hostile countries are not allowed…”.
- Current enrichment levels in Iran have surged to 60%, close to weapons-grade purity.
- The US views this enrichment as a potential pathway to developing nuclear weapons.
- Iran maintains its programme is for civilian purposes only, viewing enrichment as a foundational component.
IAEA’s Stance on Inspections
Meanwhile, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi emphasised that any new agreement between the US and Iran should incorporate stringent inspections by the agency. He stressed that robust verification measures would be essential to ensure compliance: “A solid, very robust inspection by the IAEA…should be a prerequisite…”.
Progress and Challenges
Despite the mounting challenges, Grossi believes reconciliation between the differing stances of the US and Iran is possible. He mentioned, “I think there’s always a way… It’s not impossible to reconcile the two points of view.” This optimistic outlook comes at a time when both parties appear to be at an impasse.
As these discussions evolve, which have been ongoing since the unraveling of the 2015 nuclear deal, both sides remain committed to exploring pathways that could lead to a stable resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.