Cairo: The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced a new agreement with Iran regarding the modalities for implementing nuclear safeguards. The agreement, signed with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi, is a significant step in resuming inspection activities in Iran after recent interruptions.
According to EMM, the June attacks on nuclear installations in Iran led to a halt in inspection efforts, raising concerns about Iran's compliance with its safeguards obligations. The IAEA emphasized the importance of addressing Iran's concerns while maintaining adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) safeguards agreement. Over the past few weeks, bilateral technical consultations have taken place, culminating in a meeting in Cairo.
The new technical document outlines procedures for inspection, notifications, and implementation, ensuring alignment with the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA). It covers all nuclear facilities in Iran and includes reporting on attacked sites and nuclear materials. Iran will follow its internal procedures, paving the way for inspections and access.
The IAEA and Iran will review safeguards approaches to each facility, ensuring compliance with existing rights and obligations under the NPT Safeguards Agreement. The Director General stressed the importance of implementing these steps promptly to resume cooperation fully.
The agreement highlights the potential for dialogue and mutual understanding to resolve international challenges. The Director General expressed hope that the resumption of inspections in Iran would serve as a positive precedent for future agreements. He also acknowledged Egypt's role in facilitating the agreement, thanking President Sisi and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty for their support.
With the document's technical nature underscoring its significance, the IAEA is committed to putting the agreement into practice, aiming for lasting solutions through dialogue and cooperation.