The European Union called on the Iranian regime to lift its veto power over International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors

The European Union asked the Iranian regime on Sunday “to reconsider without delay” The veto imposed on Saturday on a number of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors He expressed concern about the “severe impact” it would have on the institution’s ability to monitor the nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael GrossiHe announced, on Saturday, that the Iranian government informed him of the decision to withdraw the appointment of a number of specialists responsible for carrying out verification activities in Iran under the Safeguards (Controls) Agreement of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. .

The European Union confirmed, in a statement issued on Sunday, that it was “deeply concerned” after this announcement and “in particular” Because of the “severe impact that this decision will have on the agency’s ability to carry out its verification tasks.”Especially with regard to the nuclear agreement signed with Iran in 2015.

This agreement, which was signed by the United States, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia and Iran, coordinated by the European Union, has been called into question since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.

since then, Iranian regime Increase its production of enriched uranium It reached levels close to those needed to make atomic bombs.

Tehran defended its veto power against the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, and accused the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany of “politicizing” the matter.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “Despite Iran’s positive, constructive and ongoing interactions with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the three European countries and the United States have misused the IAEA’s Board of Governors to achieve their own political goals.” Nasser Al-Kanani.

Al-Kanani pointed out that the goal of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States is “Harming the atmosphere of cooperation between Iran and the agency”For which he requested “neutrality,” according to Iranian media.

Thus, the Iranian regime responded to a joint statement issued on the 13th in Vienna, in which more than 60 countries demanded clarifications about the origin and development of radioactive traces found in two facilities that the Iranian authorities declared to be non-nuclear.

Grossi “strongly” condemned Tehran’s use of its veto power against IAEA inspectorsHe warned that the “disproportionate” measure would “seriously” negatively impact the necessary controls over Iran’s nuclear program.

With its decision, Iran has “effectively eliminated nearly a third of the core group” of the most experienced IAEA inspectors appointed to this country.

The Director-General pointed out that these experts are “the most experienced in the organization, and they have unique knowledge in (uranium) enrichment technology.”

Although he noted that the safeguards agreement officially allows Tehran to use veto power against certain inspectors, the Argentine diplomat denounced that this measure “was exercised in a way “It directly and seriously affects the ability of the International Atomic Energy Agency to effectively carry out inspections in Iran,” he added.

“This deeply regrettable decision is another step by Iran in the wrong direction and constitutes an unnecessary blow to an already tense relationship” between the International Atomic Energy Agency — the United Nations nuclear agency — and the Persian state.

He insisted that without effective cooperation “trust will remain elusive” and that the Vienna-based body he chairs “will not be in a position to effectively fulfill Iran’s verification mandate.”

So, It will not be able to “provide reliable assurances” that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear materials and activities are intended for peaceful purposes.

With information from EFE