IAEA: Talks with Tehran were constructive

An inspector from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) described negotiations with Iranian officials regarding two issues related to Iran's nuclear program as 'constructive' following their return from Tehran. According to Reuters, IAEA officials met with Iranian authorities on Wednesday, April 15, and discussed technical issues, agreeing to meet and talk again in the near future. Meanwhile, Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the IAEA, announced the 'finding of solutions to the disputed issues' between Iran and the agency. Mr. Najafi stated that it is expected that in the 'next meeting, these two issues will be resolved.' The permanent ambassador of Iran to the IAEA emphasized that the time and place for the next meeting have not yet been determined. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Najafi described the remaining two issues as 'complex matters from previous years,' which he said 'the two remaining practical actions include claims related to high-explosives in the Mariwan region and claims about neutron calculations.' According to the permanent representative of Iran to the IAEA, regarding the claim of high-explosives conducted in the Mariwan region, Iran has pointed out that 'the agency can have managed access in this regard if it wishes, which the agency has not yet responded to.' The IAEA delegation, headed by Tero Varjoranta, Deputy to Yukiya Amano, arrived in Tehran early on Wednesday, April 15, and negotiations between the IAEA delegation and officials of the Atomic Energy Organization were held to review the two remaining issues in Tehran. This meeting was held to negotiate the continuation of cooperation between Iran and the agency within the framework of the bilateral agreement known as the Tehran Statement. Western officials emphasize that sanctions against Iran will not be lifted unless Iran cooperates with the IAEA in conducting the agency's investigations and verification. According to the Tehran Statement, signed in November 2013 by Ali Akbar Salehi and Yukiya Amano, various issues were to be pursued in clusters under the title of step-by-step, of which two steps have been finalized so far, and the third step consists of five issues, with only two issues on the negotiation agenda. Western diplomats say that verification in this discussion is absolutely essential for reaching a comprehensive final agreement between Iran and the world powers of the P5+1. While Iran and world powers are trying to reach a comprehensive final agreement and have made some progress in this regard, achieving a comprehensive final agreement still faces difficulties.