Diplomatic Standoff: Iran's Ban on Nuclear Inspectors

The U.N. nuclear watchdog is urging Iran to lift its ban on uranium-enrichment inspectors, but IAEA chief Rafael Grossi believes this is unlikely. Iran's decision has significantly impacted the IAEA's ability to inspect nuclear sites, creating a diplomatic standoff that affects global nuclear security.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog is pressing Iran to revoke its ban on several uranium-enrichment inspectors, though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters the likelihood of success is low.

'Unfortunately this ship has sailed,' Grossi said at the U.N. General Assembly. The IAEA condemned Iran's actions a year ago as 'unprecedented' and a 'very serious blow' to its inspection capabilities.

The IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors urged Iran in June to enhance cooperation and reconsider the ban on inspectors. 'Until a few months ago they were considering it, but now they say they will not reinstate these inspectors,' Grossi noted.

Grossi plans to meet Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian next month, aiming to resolve ongoing disputes, including unexplained uranium traces at undeclared sites and expanded monitoring. However, it remains uncertain if he will push to reinstate the de-designated inspectors. Diplomats highlight the importance of experienced inspectors, particularly after an inspector detected a significant enrichment change in January 2023.

The inspector who identified the change, a Russian enrichment expert, was subsequently de-designated. Iran enriches uranium up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels. The IAEA reports that Iran has enriched enough uranium to potentially produce almost four nuclear bombs if further enriched. While Iran claims its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, it has defied the IAEA's standards by enriching uranium to such high levels without bomb production.

The IAEA asserts that Iran's excessive veto of inspectors surpasses normal protocol.

(With inputs from agencies.)