Iran informs IAEA of decision to withdraw designation of several experienced inspectors

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi speaks at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (File/AFP)

VIENNA: The UN nuclear watchdog condemned on Saturday what it called Iran’s “disproportionate and unprecedented” move to bar about a third of the agency’s most experienced inspectors assigned to the country, hindering its ability to oversee Tehran’s nuclear activities.
“I strongly condemn this disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral measure which affects the normal planning and conduct of Agency verification activities in Iran and openly contradicts the cooperation that should exist between the Agency and Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. 

DG Grossi calls upon Iran to reconsider its decision & to return to a path of cooperation w/ IAEA & also calls upon Iran’s highest authorities to engage w/ him at earliest opportunity to correct course & work w/ IAEA for complete clarification of the outstanding safeguards issues

— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) September 16, 2023