IAEA board authorizes monitoring for Iran's nuclear program

The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors said on Tuesday that it has approved IAEA monitoring activity for Iran's nuclear program in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The board also approved changes to the IAEA program budget to incorporate Director General Yukiya Amano's request to seek an additional $10.4 million to conduct JCPOA-related verification activity.

The JCPOA is an agreement that was reached between Iran and other nations that would lift economic sanctions on Iran relating to its nuclear program in exchange for limits on Iran's nuclear program. This will involve the IAEA acting as a monitoring entity to ensure that Iran is following international protocols for peaceful nuclear program development and to ensure that the program stays within the agreement's parameters.

“These measures go beyond the scope of Iran’s comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocols, and will help the agency to have a better understanding of Iran’s nuclear program,” Amano said.

IAEA inspectors will have enhanced access to all uranium mining and milling facilities, and will conduct continuous monitoring of manufacturing and storage locations in the country.

The IAEA said $10.4 million will be needed on an annual basis to carry out JCPOA-related inspection activity in Iran.