Mohammad Eslami: We have the authority to accept or reject agency inspectors

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization rejected the reduction of access for agency inspectors in Iran, stating that the access referred to was related to the JCPOA, but currently only the NPT and safeguards are applicable, and "we have the authority to accept or reject agency inspectors." Mohammad Eslami, on Saturday evening, September 10, criticized what he called "the interference of the hegemonic system with the Islamic Republic." Referring to a recent report by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that was reflected in the media, he said: "The report states that we have lost access to the cameras; this is related to the JCPOA." According to him, after the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and Iran's actions to reduce its commitments, the current relationship between the IAEA and Iran is no longer "a JCPOA relationship" but rather "based on NPT membership and safeguards." The IAEA reported an increase in Iran's 60% enriched uranium; Grossi's hope to meet with Pezeshkian. Two days ago, international media reported that Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, in his confidential report to the agency's Board of Governors, mentioned an increase in Iran's enriched uranium reserves close to weapon-grade levels. Mr. Grossi also referred to the issue of reduced access for inspectors and the persistence of previous questions. In response to this report, Mohammad Eslami told the Islamic Republic TV that based on the NPT framework, "we have the authority to accept or reject inspectors; this is our legal authority, it is not pressure or political force." Mr. Eslami added: "If you are in the JCPOA, you must fulfill your commitments, and we will also fulfill our commitments exactly." These statements come as Abbas Araqchi, Iran's new foreign minister, has repeatedly emphasized in the past two weeks that the JCPOA is not revivable. However, on September 3, without detailing, he spoke of "other forms of agreement." Araqchi in the parliament: The JCPOA is "not revivable" and the conflict with the U.S. "will not end." Rafael Grossi, in his recent report to the Board of Governors, also expressed hope that he would soon be able to meet in Tehran with Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, and that both sides would reach "tangible results" in a "constructive dialogue." However, Mohammad Eslami, without providing a specific date, said regarding the timing of this visit: "Whenever the program is arranged." He mentioned that Iran's ambassador to the agency has met with Rafael Grossi and "it has been agreed that our deputies and he will review the program." Iranian officials have always emphasized the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program and stated that they are not seeking to produce nuclear weapons; however, the Director General of the IAEA has previously stated in his reports that uranium enrichment at levels close to weapon-grade has not occurred except in nuclear-armed countries.