U.S., France Concerned As Iran Lets UN Atomic Watchdog Deal Expire
By RFE/RL
The UN nuclear watchdog said June 25 that it has not received a response from Iran about extending an interim atomic monitoring agreement, after the United States and France warned that not doing so could imperil talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
The temporary monitoring agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran expired on June 24, ending an arrangement agreed to in February that gave the international community eyes and ears on Iran’s nuclear program.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement that as of June 25, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to extend the monitoring agreement.
“An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard,” Grossi said, adding that it was of “vital importance” the agency continue verification and monitoring activities in Iran.
If it is not extended, six weeks of negotiations in Vienna aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal could be threatened.
Comments are closed.