VIENNA, June 25 — The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for nuclear inspections in Iran to resume following the ceasefire between the Islamic Republic and Israel, reported German news agency dpa.
"Resuming cooperation with the IAEA is key to a successful diplomatic agreement to finally resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement released today.
"I've written to Foreign Minister (Abbas) Araghchi stressing the importance of us working together and proposing to meet soon," Grossi said.
IAEA inspectors remained in Iran throughout the conflict and are ready to return to the country's nuclear facilities to verify its stockpiles of nuclear material, according to the statement.
These include more than 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, which is close to weapons-grade level.
Inspectors last accessed Iran's nuclear sites just days before Israeli airstrikes began on June 13.
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IAEA director general Rafael Grossi is seen in this file photo. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
In recent weeks, senior officials in Tehran had hinted at a possible suspension of cooperation with the nuclear monitoring body based in Vienna.
The extent of the damage caused by recent Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities remains unclear. Despite the attacks, Foreign Minister Araghchi has reaffirmed Iran's intention to continue its nuclear programme.
— Bernama-dpa
