IAEA chief says inspectors on way to Iran in case snapback deal struck

U.N. nuclear watchdog Chief Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday (23 September) that a team of inspectors is ready to head to Iran if Tehran and European powers reach an agreement this week to prevent the reimposition of international sanctions.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iran and European powers agreed to continue talks in a last-ditch effort to avert the so-called snapback. Discussions focus on European demands for Iran to restore U.N. nuclear inspectors’ access to its most sensitive facilities, address concerns about its enriched uranium stockpile, and engage in talks with the United States.

“Everything is possible. Where there is a will, there is a way,” Grossi said. “Our inspectors are on the way, and work could begin depending on Iran’s political will.”

With sanctions set to snap back on Saturday evening, time is running short, though Grossi said “intense” discussions continue between himself, Iran, European powers, and the U.S. to find a solution.

Earlier this month in Cairo, Grossi reached technical agreements with Iran to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to resume work at sites, including those targeted by U.S. and Israeli strikes in June.

However, the agreements provided little detail or timeframe, drawing criticism given the urgency ahead of the snapback.

Grossi noted that European powers want to see how these technical measures fit into current negotiations and demand immediate, tangible progress between the IAEA and Iran.

He added that one key topic discussed with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was the completion of a special report detailing the state of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Copied