US ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over Iran’s Lack of Cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency

The US State Department spokesperson said his country is deeply concerned about Iran’s failure to respond to the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the source of uranium particles found at three locations.

Ned Price, spokesman for the US State Department, said Wednesday evening, June 9, in a press conference that his country is deeply concerned that Iran has still not provided the necessary information about atomic particles found and undeclared to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The US State Department spokesman also emphasized that his country fully supports the International Atomic Energy Agency’s pursuit to obtain the necessary information from Iran.

Ned Price said Iran must fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and should do so without delay.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on Monday, June 7 (17 Khordad), at a meeting of the Board of Governors of this UN-affiliated body, that he is “seriously” concerned about the Islamic Republic concealing nuclear materials.

Grossi emphasized that Iran consistently refrains from providing the necessary explanations about atomic particles found at three locations, and this action prevents the Agency from confirming that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency agreed in February that Iran’s decision to suspend implementation of the Additional Protocol, due to the failure to lift US sanctions, would be suspended for three months. When this deadline expired in May, it was extended once more until June 24.

Previous US Warning

Following the report by the Agency’s Secretary-General, the United States issued a statement asking Iran to refrain from taking any action that would prevent the International Atomic Energy Agency from accessing and gathering the necessary information about nuclear activities.

In the US statement, it said that such action by the Islamic Republic of Iran could at least seriously complicate Iran’s return to JCPOA commitments and the lifting of sanctions by the United States.

The fifth round of negotiations between Iran and the P4+1 and the United States is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 11, in Vienna. The goal of these negotiations is the return of Iran and the United States to the JCPOA nuclear agreement.

Source: DW