Grossi's Statement on 'Suspension of Agency Inspectors' by the Islamic Republic: Another Step in the Wrong Direction

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran's decision to suspend the activities of inspectors that the Agency had appointed for verification under the NPT treaty. Mr. Grossi stated that these inspectors are among the 'most experienced experts of the Agency with unique knowledge in enrichment technology,' and with this decision, Iran has effectively removed about one-third of the Agency's most experienced inspectors. The IAEA Director General strongly condemned this 'unilateral,' 'disproportionate,' and 'regrettable' action by the Islamic Republic, stating that it is in clear contradiction to the cooperation that should exist between Iran and the Agency and will directly impact the Agency's ability to effectively conduct its inspections in Iran. Mr. Grossi described this decision as 'another step in the wrong direction' and emphasized that it unnecessarily harms the strained relations between the IAEA and Iran in implementing the NPT treaty. The IAEA Director General stressed that without 'effective and trusted' cooperation, the Agency will not be able to carry out its verification mission in Iran 'effectively' and provide a credible assurance that Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. He urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to reconsider its decision and return to a path of cooperation with the Agency. In response to this statement, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Western countries of 'excessive demands and attempts to politicize the Agency's environment.' Nasser Kanani stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran 'emphasizing the necessity of the Agency's neutrality,' will continue its cooperation within the framework of the agreements made. In March, the IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued a joint statement in which both parties agreed on three topics of cooperation and interaction according to the Agency's mandates and Iran's rights and duties, Iran's cooperation with the Agency regarding safeguard issues related to three locations, and Iran's voluntary allowance for the Agency for further verification and monitoring activities. Rafael Grossi, in a report titled 'NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran' presented to the Board of Governors on September 20, stated: 'Unfortunately, no progress has been made in implementing the activities outlined in the joint statement signed on March 4 in Tehran.' At the same time, the U.S. representative at the IAEA Board of Governors also urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop producing uranium with a 60% enrichment level. Warnings from the U.S. and Europe: If Iran does not resolve the 'remaining issues,' another resolution will be issued. Qatar also urged the Islamic Republic to cooperate with the IAEA. The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization stated: 'Our process will not change until the complete removal of sanctions.' A statement from 63 countries at the Board of Governors: The Islamic Republic should respond to the Agency's questions. Schultz: 'Preventing Iran from producing highly enriched uranium' is an 'important action' in a new era of nuclear disarmament. Grossi: The Islamic Republic must explain the uranium found in Varamin and Torqozabad.