The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi visited Iran's Natanz nuclear plant and its Fordow site.
United Nation's Nuclear watchdog visited two nuclear sites in Iran Friday morning. The International Atomic Energy Agency's Head, Rafael Grossi went to the Fordow site some 100 kilometres south of Tehran and Natanz nuclear plant aimed at resolving disputes on nuclear talks.
Their last report in June said it had lost continuity of knowledge to key parts of the Iranian nuclear programme due to being unable to perform verification and monitoring activities for more than three and a half years.
Speaking earlier to Iranian officials, Grossi made an effort to restore his inspectors' access.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi told the chief of the IAEA that the country is willing to resolve outstanding disputes but won't succumb to pressure.
Following the discussions, Araqchi said that the ball is in the European Union/E3 court, referring to France, Britain, and Germany.
The three countries along with the United States represent the West in the nuclear talks with Iran.
"Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights, but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation," Iranian state media quoted Araqchi as saying. "I hope the other side will adopt a rational policy."
Grossi's trip comes a week before the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors meet in Vienna with the European 3 to consider whether to raise pressure on Iran given its lack of cooperation.
The Head of IAEA also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time since Pezeshkian was elected in July. The president told Grossi that Tehran was prepared to cooperate with the IAEA to clear up "alleged ambiguities" about Tehran's nuclear work, state media reported.
After a meeting with Iran's nuclear chief, in a televised joint press conference, Grossi urged Tehran to take steps to resolve the remaining issues.
"It is in our power here to take concrete steps that will indicate clearly, to the U.S. and the international community, that we can clarify things and move forward with concrete solutions," Grossi said.
President-Elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January upends the nuclear diplomacy, which had already stalled under the outgoing administration of Joe Biden.
During Trump’s last term, Washington unilaterally withdrew from the deal struck in 2015 between Iran and six world powers that limited Tehran’s nuclear work in exchange for relief from sanctions.
Since then, Tehran abandoned all limits on its program, and enriches uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% required for an atomic bomb.
Iran has long denied any nuclear-bomb ambitions, saying it is enriching uranium for civilian energy use only.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17 to sign a historic Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement, expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will meet in Russia on January 17 to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, discussing enhanced cooperation in trade, transport, and humanitarian efforts, alongside regional and international issues.
Iran’s army received 1,000 new drones on January 13, equipped with advanced stealth and anti-fortification capabilities, amid increasing tensions with Israel and the United States.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Kazakh political scientist Dimash Alzhanov claims that the leaked transcripts of alleged conversations between AZAL pilots and Russian ground services are an attempt to exert informational pressure on Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan during the investigation into the December crash
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment