Tehran might allow US inspectors as IAEA chief calls for ‘robust’ inspection of Iran-US deal

Iran has hinted at the possibility of allowing US inspectors under the UN nuclear watchdog’s framework if an agreement with Washington is reached, as the IAEA chief calls for strict verification measures in any prospective Iran-US deal.

Iran has hinted at the possible access by US monitors of the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) if it reaches a deal with the US in the ongoing indirect talks while the head of the UN watchdog has said any Iran-US agreement should include ‘robust’ inspections.

The Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammabd Eslami told reporters that Tehran may reconsider its mutual ban on visits by the IAEA’s US inspectors provided that an agreement is reached in this regard in the discussions between Iranian and US negotiators, official IRNA news agency reported.

Iran is pushing for removal of the US unilaterally-imposed sanctions, and Washington demands Tehran to cease its nuclear enrichment. This demand has been categorically rejected by Iran.

Eslami said the enrichment capacity of Iran is its redline and not subject of the negotiations between Iran and the US because Iran’s nuclear sites are under the strictest inspections of the UN atomic agency.

In the meantime, the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told reporters in Vienna on Wednesday that a possible deal has to be in compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its verification regime.

"My impression is that if you have that type of agreement, a solid, very robust inspection by the IAEA ... should be a prerequisite, and I'm sure it will be, because it would imply a very, very serious commitment on the part of Iran, which must be verified," he told reporters.

“The fact that they continue to meet … that is an indication of a willingness to come to an agreement.” 

Grossi said he is in contact with the negotiating sides, however, neither Iran nor the US have signaled that IAEA may play a role as a side in their ongoing talks so far.

Iran and the US have held five rounds of talks mediated by Oman since April. Despite of differences, both sides have termed their discussions as constructive.

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