IAEA Ready to Verify Iran’s Nuclear Activities and Urges Diplomatic Solution

Washington (ANTARA) – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency had completed most of the technical preparations to verify Iran’s nuclear activities.

Grossi stressed that a lasting and stable resolution to tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme would require a diplomatic agreement.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday (23 October), Grossi said the IAEA was ready to carry out the technical verification work needed to support negotiations between Iran and the United States.

“Most of the technical work required to ensure adequate verification of activities in Iran has been completed, so we are ready. The IAEA is ready,” Grossi said.

He expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States would make progress with the support of regional and international partners, including Pakistan, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

“There will be no, ladies and gentlemen; there will be no lasting and stable solution without a diplomatic agreement,” Grossi told the UN General Assembly.

He also emphasised that independent verification by the UN nuclear watchdog would be vital to any diplomatic agreement involving Iran’s nuclear programme.

“For a diplomatic agreement to be achieved, we need that verification. We need strong support for the IAEA’s work. We are ready, and we believe they want the same,” he said.