Iran abiding by nuclear-related commitments: Amano

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again reiterated Iran’s adherence to the 2015 nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group of countries, stressing that UN inspectors are facing no problems in their verification efforts.

“The IAEA can state that such nuclear-related commitments are being implemented,” the IAEA chief, Yukiya Amano, told a news conference in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Monday, a day after he met with senior Iranian officials in Tehran, Press TV reported.

“I requested that Iran ... fully implement the nuclear-related commitments. This [was] the main thrust of the meeting in Iran... Regarding the activities of our inspectors, they are discharging their responsibility without problem," Amano, whose inspectors are tasked with monitoring compliance with the JCPOA, said.

The IAEA chief made a day-long visit to Tehran and held talks with President Hassan Rouhani, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Amano and Salehi also attended a joint press conference.

The Iranian president told Amano that the Islamic Republic sought to boost long-term cooperation with the IAEA and stressed the importance of maintaining the independence and impartiality of the UN nuclear agency.

Rouhani also emphasized the significance of showing respect for international regulations and treaties, saying Iran had repeatedly announced that it would not be the first country to walk away from the landmark nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries more than two years ago.

“We will remain committed to the JCPOA as long as we are able to enjoy the benefits mentioned in it,” the Iranian president said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Amano said he had told Iranian officials that the JCPOA was a “significant gain for verification.”

SS