IAEA, Iran agree on 'road map' to assess nation's nuclear program

Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Tuesday that a "road map" has been signed between the Iranian government and the agency on past and present issues pertaining to Iran's nuclear program, as part of the U.S.-Iran deal that was just struck over the program's development and direction.

Within this agreement, both the IAEA and the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed on a process that would allow the agency to assess potential aspects of Iran's nuclear program with the cooperation of the government.

"This is a significant step forward toward clarifying outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program," Amano said.

The agreement also was signed by  Ali Akbar Salehi, president of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.

Up until the end of 2015, the two entities will take part in an examination of outstanding issues relating to Iran's nuclear program, including a process whereby Iranian government officials will explain its nuclear activities in writing, especially what purpose they serve and any military aspects. The IAEA will respond with any further questions on their explanations. Technical experts then will meet and address how to resolve outstanding measures discovered in the first part of this process.

The agreement said a final assessment will be provided to the IAEA's Board of Governors by Dec. 15.