IAEA chief tries to clarify verification process after Iran self-inspection report

Courtesy of the IAEA
Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),  released a statement on Thursday regarding recent reports of a side deal that transfers verification responsibility to the Iranian government regarding its nuclear program.

An Associated Press report indicated that Iranian scientists would be carrying out air and soil inspections at the Parchin nuclear facility, which has been suspected of carrying out weapons development. This allegation has since been removed from the original article, an MSNBC.com report said.

 Amano said in the statement that the original report misrepresented the verification processes relating to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The IAEA had made a road-map agreement with Iranian authorities regarding past uses of its nuclear program.

Amano also said that the agreement made with Iran is consistent with similar agreements with other state parties. Amano also said specifics in the agreement are to remain confidential.

"However, I can state that the arrangements are technically sound and consistent with our long-established practices," Amano said. "They do not compromise our safeguard  standards in any way. The road-map between Iran and the IAEA is a very robust agreement, with strict timelines, which will help us to clarify past and present outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program."