The governing body of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is putting pressure on Tehran over a lack of information regarding Iran’s uranium stockpiles.
In a resolution adopted in Vienna, the IAEA Board of Governors stated that it was essential and urgent for Tehran to fully disclose its stockpiles of nuclear material.
The US, Germany, France and the United Kingdom had initiated the resolution. In it, the Board of Governors also demands that Iran grant access to IAEA inspectors. This is intended to ensure that no nuclear material is diverted for military purposes, as stated in the text.
The IAEA body also reiterated its threat to refer the matter to the UN Security Council in New York should Iran continue not to cooperate.
Blockade of nuclear inspections in Iran for months
Recently, the IAEA has been barred from inspecting Iran’s uranium stocks and most of its nuclear facilities. Tehran permitted only the inspection of its nuclear power plant in Bushehr last quarter.
In total, the country has 22 facilities, the majority of which have been attacked by the US and Israel.
Negotiations on a framework agreement between the US and Iran have been dragging on for weeks; this could, among others, provide for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran slams the resolution
Iran’s representative to the IAEA, Resa Najafi, spoke of "a counterproductive move and it will just further complicate the situation."
From Iran’s perspective, inspections at the damaged nuclear sites are technically impossible. The demands of the Board of Governors are “excessive,” Najafi told journalists.
According to earlier IAEA investigations, Iran possesses more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Tehran denies any intention of using this material, which is almost weapons-grade, to build nuclear bombs.
