Grossi Refers to Islamic Republic's Prevention of Inspector Activities: Joining the International Community is Possible Through the Agency

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), referred to inspections in Iran during an interview on Wednesday, September 20, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Grossi stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has limited cooperation with the agency's inspection teams regarding its nuclear program in retaliation for criticisms. He added, "I understand that they do not want any sanctions and wish to be part of the international community as a normal country. However, when it comes to nuclear issues, normalcy is achieved through the International Atomic Energy Agency, which guarantees the international community that everything is proceeding correctly in Iran." The IAEA Director General said it is "regrettable" and "incomprehensible" that the Islamic Republic of Iran has removed one-third of the agency's best inspectors due to "some political considerations." Earlier this week, the IAEA announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran had revoked the credentials of several nuclear inspectors. Simultaneously, the Islamic Republic stated that this action was taken in retaliation for "political abuses" by the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. France, Germany, the UK, and the US issued a joint statement calling this action by the Islamic Republic another step in the wrong direction. The UN nuclear watchdog also issued a statement strongly criticizing the Islamic Republic for "preventing inspections" and "verification" of the disputed nuclear program. The French Foreign Minister called for Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA. The joint statement from France, Germany, the UK, and the US labeled Iran's actions as another step in the wrong direction. Grossi warned the Islamic Republic that failure to cooperate with the agency would have consequences. The European Union expressed concern over the suspension of activities of "several experienced inspectors" of the agency in Iran. The UN nuclear watchdog reacted strongly to the Islamic Republic's prevention of inspectors' activities.