Iran Has Not Taken New Measures after 5th Nuclear Step, Says IAEA
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran has not taken new nuclear steps after it announced the fifth and last step to reduce its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal in early January, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency said.
“After the fifth step, there hasn’t been any follow-up,” said Raphael Grossi on his first official visit to Washington since becoming director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in December, Reuters reported.
“Of course, they continue to enrich.”
Iran made the announcement as the fifth step of its phased reduction of commitments in reaction to the US unilateral withdrawal and Europe’s failure to compensate for the pullout despite its promises.
Grossi said he discussed Iran’s nuclear program on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but declined to elaborate. During a think tank appearance on Wednesday, Grossi said the IAEA continues to monitor the Iranian nuclear program.
The Iranian government announced in a statement on January 5 that the country will no longer observe any operational limitations on its nuclear industry, including with regard to the capacity and level of uranium enrichment, the amount of enriched materials as well as research and development.
Iran has clearly stated that it will reverse its nuclear measures if its demands under the deal are fulfilled. It says the moves are aimed at pressuring European powers to fulfill their commitments in the face of the US’ “maximum pressure” policy against the Iranian nation.
