Iran and US Representatives Clash Over IAEA Inspections of Iranian Facilities

On Monday, representatives from Iran and the United States clashed at the annual conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over the inspection and monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities. This dispute has arisen since last month following the US request for broader inspections in Iran. According to Reuters, America's main allies are concerned that Washington may withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. Recently, Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, urged the IAEA to inspect more sites in Iran, including military facilities, to ensure Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal. However, the Iranian government vehemently rejected this request. In this context, Rick Perry, the US Secretary of Energy, stated at the IAEA annual conference that "we will not accept an agreement that results in inadequate inspections and monitoring." He did not clarify whether the US government believes the current oversight and monitoring of the agreement is weak. Perry added, "The US asks the IAEA to use all its powers to monitor and verify Iran's compliance with each provision of the JCPOA." Before the US representative's remarks, the IAEA officially confirmed the reappointment of Yukiya Amano, the 70-year-old Japanese diplomat, for another term. Reuters noted that Donald Trump has described the nuclear deal with Iran as "the worst deal in history" and has until October to decide on his assessment of Iran's compliance with the agreement, a decision that could lead to the reimposition of US sanctions against Iran. During Monday's meeting, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, accused the US of making "unreasonable requests" regarding oversight of Iran's peaceful nuclear programs. He added, "We are confident that the IAEA will resist these unacceptable requests and continue to play its role in a neutral and fair framework." Salehi also criticized what he described as the "extremely hostile approach of the US government." If there is new and credible evidence regarding the possibility of prohibited nuclear activities in Iran, the IAEA has the right to inspect all facilities in the country, including military sites. However, diplomats say the US government has not provided such evidence so far. Yukiya Amano has repeatedly emphasized that the IAEA's duties and powers are technical, not political, and has not commented on the statements of the US Ambassador to the UN. However, in his speech on Monday, Amano defended the nuclear agreement with Iran as an important step forward. He stated, "Iran is implementing its commitments under the JCPOA. The most stringent and precise nuclear inspections are currently being conducted regarding Iran."