Iran must clarify location of undeclared nuclear material – IAEA chief urges

Photo: IAEA

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 20. It has been almost four years since Iran ceased its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as he addressed the IAEA Board of Governors, Trend reports.

This cessation has led to a loss of continuity in the IAEA’s knowledge regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the IAEA chief noted, particularly in relation to the production and inventory of critical components such as centrifuges, rotors, bellows, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate.

Additionally, Grossi reported ongoing discrepancies regarding Iran’s compliance with its Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement. Iran has stated that it has declared all necessary nuclear material, activities, and locations under the NPT Safeguards Agreement; however, the IAEA has found uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at undeclared locations in Iran. Grossi reiterated the need for Iran to clarify the current whereabouts of this nuclear material and any contaminated equipment, stressing the importance of addressing these outstanding safeguards issues for the Agency to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful.

In his remarks, Grossi also mentioned the continuing discussions between the IAEA and Iran following the Joint Statement signed in March 2023, particularly regarding the discrepancy in the nuclear material balance and the situation concerning the Varamin location. The resolution of these issues remains a critical priority for the IAEA to ensure full compliance with Iran’s safeguards obligations.