WANA (Dec 15) – Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), announced on Saturday that Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remains aligned with a pre-agreed “modality” established under a March 2023 joint statement. His remarks come one month after the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution urging Iran to address outstanding safeguards questions.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of an exhibition unveiling achievements by the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute in Tehran, Eslami addressed inquiries about Iran’s response to the recent resolution.

 

He noted progress in resolving issues concerning two out of four locations under scrutiny. “We have responded to all questions related to these sites, which are based on false allegations made by the Zionist regime. Both sides agreed to implement a modality developed by our respective deputies, and we are currently acting within that framework,” he explained.

 

Eslami reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding cooperation with the IAEA under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). “The IAEA has had the necessary access for its monitoring activities, and there have been no obstacles in this regard,” he emphasized.

 

Addressing reports suggesting Iran had agreed to increased oversight of its nuclear activities, Eslami clarified: “As the scale and capacity of nuclear material activities evolve, it is natural that monitoring and inspections also adjust accordingly.”

 

A Resolution Amid Ongoing Disputes

The IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution on December 1 reignited tensions, with Iran voicing strong objections. Tehran criticized the move as “disheartening,” particularly given the significant access granted to IAEA officials, including Director-General Rafael Grossi, for inspections of nuclear sites.

 

Despite this setback, Eslami reiterated that discussions remain rooted in the March 2023 joint statement. The agreement outlined principles for resolving safeguards-related questions, including Iran’s readiness to provide additional information and access, as well as voluntary measures to enable enhanced verification.

 

Analysts suggest the continued issuance of resolutions indicates shortcomings in prior frameworks. However, Eslami insisted that no new framework is needed, reaffirming the sufficiency of the existing modality for resolving remaining ambiguities.

 

Enhanced Monitoring and Political Challenges

Over the past year, Iran has reinstalled some monitoring equipment previously removed as part of its reduced cooperation with the IAEA. This includes surveillance systems for uranium enrichment up to 60% at Natanz and Fordow and cameras at a centrifuge production site in Isfahan. These measures align with the NPT and CSA requirements, AEOI officials have stated.

 

Iranian authorities have repeatedly expressed willingness to resolve outstanding questions, provided the IAEA and its member states approach the issue without political bias. “We are prepared to address all ambiguities in a timely manner, but only if the other side demonstrates the political will to resolve them rather than perpetuating baseless accusations,” Iranian officials argue.

 

Observers remain skeptical about resolving the technical issues amid heightened geopolitical tensions and stalled negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. However, Eslami confirmed that technical talks with the IAEA continue under the March 2023 agreement and stressed that inspections face no restrictions within the NPT and CSA framework.

 

A Persistent Divide

Despite progress on some fronts, the mutual distrust between Iran and the IAEA persists. Analysts believe that without a shared political understanding, resolving technical disagreements will remain elusive. For now, Tehran maintains its commitment to the established modality while urging the IAEA and Western nations to adopt a constructive and apolitical approach.