Iran agreed a deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday, September 9. For now, this brings to an end its suspension of cooperation that followed a brief armed conflict with Israel in June.
“Iran and the agency will now resume cooperation in a respectful and comprehensive way,” according to IAEA Head Rafael Grossi, adding that “practical steps need to be implemented now.”
“There may be difficulties and issues to be resolved for sure, but we now know what we have to do,” he explained, before noting that the agreed document “provides for a clear understanding of the procedures for inspections.” It includes
all facilities and installations in Iran, and it also contemplates the required reporting on all the attacked facilities, including the nuclear material present at those.
Iran appears to view the agreement as less durable. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined on Tuesday the circumstances in which his country would cease cooperation with the agency, declaring
I emphasize that in the event of any hostile action against Iran, including the reinstatement of lifted UN Security Council resolutions, Iran will consider these practical steps ended.
While Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, Western countries accuse its government of seeking an atomic weapon—a claim Tehran has systematically denied.
