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UN nuclear watchdog chief pursues progress in talks with Iranian leaders
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano yesterday met with senior Iranian leaders in an effort to advance efforts to probe suspected military dimensions to Tehran’s nuclear programme.
An IAEA report in 2011 suggested that Iran had, until 2003 and possibly since then, conducted research into developing nuclear weapons. Iran had refused to answer the allegations but in November, Iran agreed with the IAEA that it would comply with seven transparency steps to help address suspicions.
With a 25 August deadline to address the concerns approaching, Amano visited Tehran yesterday and indicated that some progress had been made. Following meetings with Iran’s President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif, Amano said, “This has been a short visit, but a useful one.” He said that Iranian leaders had committed “to resolve all present and past issues through dialogue and cooperation with the IAEA.” He added that Iran had “provided information and explanations” regarding so-called Explosive Wire Detonators, which can be used to help trigger an atomic explosion, but which Iran claims were being developed for civilian use.
Although negotiations between the IAEA and Iran are separate from a parallel diplomatic process between Tehran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany), they are considered complimentary, as a measure of Iranian openness. Following several rounds of talks, the P5+1 and Iran agreed last month to extend talks on a long-term arrangement over Tehran’s nuclear development to 20 November, with the international community concerned that Iran aims to develop a nuclear military capability.
Rouhani yesterday addressed the P5+1 talks, saying defiantly that “Iran’s ballistic capability is not negotiable at any level.” He added that, “Iran is serious in its negotiations with the P5+1 group and wants nothing beyond its rights, especially concerning enrichment of uranium for peaceful aims.” The next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 is set to take place before the opening of the United Nations General Assembly on 16 September.