The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is the atomic watchdog of the United Nations (UN), on Friday (September 9) warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety due to a spike in fighting near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the war-torn Ukraine.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is the atomic watchdog of the United Nations (UN), on Friday (September 9) warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety due to a spike in fighting near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the war-torn Ukraine. In a statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, "I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region." “Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening,” Grossi said. He added the IAEA team was informed that staff at the nuclear power plant had been reduced temporarily to minimum levels due to concerns about more military activity in the area. 'Numerous explosions reported near Zaporizhzhia for past 1 week' The IAEA said that its experts deployed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week. There has been no damage to the plant. "Starting last Saturday, the IAEA team heard around two dozen explosions over three days, followed by several more in the last few days. There was no damage to the plant itself," the statement further said. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February last year, the UN atomic watchdog has expressed concerns that the fighting could cause a potential radiation leak from the facility, which is one of the world’s 10 biggest nuclear power stations. The plant's six reactors have been shut for months but it still requires power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. The Zaporizhzhia plant has been occupied by Russian forces since March last year. Last month, Ukraine's atomic energy operator said that it was vital to gain control of the plant to supply electricity to Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid fighting near Zaporizhzhia plant, UN atomic watchdog warns of threat to nuclear safety

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after&nbsp;the massive Kakhovka&nbsp;dam on the Dnipro River was breached.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi</h2>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a>

The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)&nbsp;but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.”

He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv,&nbsp;said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant?</h2>

The IAEA chief's&nbsp;trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed.&nbsp;

The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-promises-more-military-aid-to-kyiv-as-counteroffensive-begins-603681">Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins</a> 
 
The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief</h2>

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”.&nbsp;

Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a>

Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached.

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached. ‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory. This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.” He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv, said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky. Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant? The IAEA chief's trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed. The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough. ‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”. Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.” ALSO READ | Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Very concerned’: UN nuclear chief about Zaporizhzhia plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi warned on Saturday (May 7) that the situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi warned on Saturday (May 7) that the situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous. "The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," Grossi said on the IAEA's website and called for measures to ensure the plant's safe operation. "I'm extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant. We must act now to prevent the threat of a severe nuclear accident and its associated consequences for the population and the environment," Grossi added. ALSO READ | Explained: Ukraine downs Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile. Here’s all you need to know The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was seized by Russian forces just days after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. In March, IAEA head Grossi paid a visit to the plant as part of efforts to speak to both sides to secure an agreement on safeguards to ensure the station's safe operation. He repeatedly warned of the dangers of military operations around the plant. On Friday, the Russian-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia Yevgeny Balitsky said he ordered the evacuation of villages close to the front line with Ukrainian forces there, adding that Ukrainian shelling had intensified in the area recently. Russian nationalist writer injured in car bombing: Report Also on Saturday, prominent Russian nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin was injured in a car bombing in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region. According to a report by BBC on Sunday, Prilepin suffered fractures and his driver was killed. Russian investigators claimed they were questioning a suspect named Alexander Permyakov who has admitted operating for Ukraine. ALSO READ | Ukraine strikes Crimean peninsula with over 10 drones The suspect was caught in a neighbouring village. According to the Investigative Committee (SK), the suspect admitted to doing an assignment for the Ukrainian secret services. The Ukrainian government has not commented on the bombing so far. Saturday's car explosion comes a month after pro-Kremlin blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in a bombing at a cafe in St Petersburg. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Situation around Zaporizhzhia plant becoming increasingly unpredictable, says IAEA head

North Korea has yet again made to headlines for its nuclear tests.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in a meeting with the UN World Security Council on Ukraine said that the world is holding its breath over the possibility that North Korea might conduct a nuclear test.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-north-korea-holds-nuclear-test-therell-be-unparalleled-scale-of-response-warn-us-japan-south-korea-528546">Also read |&nbsp;If North Korea holds nuclear test, there'll be 'unparalleled scale of response', warn US, Japan, South Korea</a>

Grossi said, "Everybody is&nbsp;holding&nbsp;its&nbsp;breath&nbsp;about this, because another nuclear test would be yet another confirmation of a program which is moving full steam ahead, in a way that is incredibly, incredibly concerning."

He further told the reporters that the country is preparing for upcoming tests and building its arsenal. Grossi said that because of all this, they repaying special attention to the matter and are hoping that doesn't happen, AFP reported.&nbsp;

He added that he did not believe that the tests will happen right away.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US, Japan &amp; South Korea vows closer ties; North Korea warned over nuclear test

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Grossi said, "&nbsp;We see preparation, we see lots of things, but in terms of degrees of imminency, no."

This is not the first time that the world has been warned about North Korea.&nbsp;

The United States has been issuing a warning that Pyongyang is preparing to conduct a nuclear test, which will include demonstrations of small and long-range ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-and-south-korea-exchange-warning-fire-at-maritime-border-amid-tensions-527870">Also read |&nbsp;North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions</a>

North Korea's neighbours South Korea and Japan are currently extremely anxious about the situation.&nbsp;

The US, Japan and South Korea have been warning that if North Korea holds the nuclear test, there'll be an 'unparalleled scale of response.'&nbsp;

Tensions rose after North Korea started firing ballistic missiles since&nbsp;the beginning of this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has yet again made to headlines for its nuclear tests. The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in a meeting with the UN World Security Council on Ukraine said that the world is holding its breath over the possibility that North Korea might conduct a nuclear test.

North Korea has yet again made to headlines for its nuclear tests. The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in a meeting with the UN World Security Council on Ukraine said that the world is holding its breath over the possibility that North Korea might conduct a nuclear test. Also read | If North Korea holds nuclear test, there'll be 'unparalleled scale of response', warn US, Japan, South Korea Grossi said, "Everybody is holding its breath about this, because another nuclear test would be yet another confirmation of a program which is moving full steam ahead, in a way that is incredibly, incredibly concerning." He further told the reporters that the country is preparing for upcoming tests and building its arsenal. Grossi said that because of all this, they repaying special attention to the matter and are hoping that doesn't happen, AFP reported. He added that he did not believe that the tests will happen right away. Watch | US, Japan & South Korea vows closer ties; North Korea warned over nuclear test Grossi said, " We see preparation, we see lots of things, but in terms of degrees of imminency, no." This is not the first time that the world has been warned about North Korea. The United States has been issuing a warning that Pyongyang is preparing to conduct a nuclear test, which will include demonstrations of small and long-range ballistic missiles. Also read | North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions North Korea's neighbours South Korea and Japan are currently extremely anxious about the situation. The US, Japan and South Korea have been warning that if North Korea holds the nuclear test, there'll be an 'unparalleled scale of response.' Tensions rose after North Korea started firing ballistic missiles since the beginning of this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IAEA chief at UN World Security Council meet warns over possible North Korea nuclear tests

The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror.&nbsp;

Ukraine said a Russian patrol detained Ihor Murashov on Friday as he travelled from Europe's largest nuclear power plant to the town of Enerhodar, where many of the plant's staff live.&nbsp;

Ukrainian staff continue to operate the plant in conditions the International Atomic Energy Agency says put safety at risk. The IAEA said on Saturday it had been in contact with "the relevant authorities" without mentioning Russia by name and said it had been informed that Murashov was in "temporary detention".

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dg-of-ukraines-moscow-held-nuclear-power-plant-detained-by-russia-report-521468">Chief of Ukraine's Moscow-held nuclear power plant detained by Russia: Report</a>

"I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine's #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely," Grossi said on Twitter on Monday.

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I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zaporizhzhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zaporizhzhya</a> Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely.
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi/status/1576940492713263109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for shelling that has damaged buildings on the plant's grounds and the IAEA has called for the establishment of a protection zone around the site to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic accident. Grossi is due to hold talks in Moscow and Kyiv this week.&nbsp;

The IAEA said on Saturday that Murashov's detention "has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making in ensuring the safety and security of the plant", adding to the existing security concerns at the facility. 
 
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The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror.

The head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been released, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday after detention that Ukraine blamed on Russia and called an act of terror. Ukraine said a Russian patrol detained Ihor Murashov on Friday as he travelled from Europe's largest nuclear power plant to the town of Enerhodar, where many of the plant's staff live. Ukrainian staff continue to operate the plant in conditions the International Atomic Energy Agency says put safety at risk. The IAEA said on Saturday it had been in contact with "the relevant authorities" without mentioning Russia by name and said it had been informed that Murashov was in "temporary detention". Read more: Chief of Ukraine's Moscow-held nuclear power plant detained by Russia: Report "I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine's #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely," Grossi said on Twitter on Monday. I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of #Ukraine’s #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely. — Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) October 3, 2022 × Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for shelling that has damaged buildings on the plant's grounds and the IAEA has called for the establishment of a protection zone around the site to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic accident. Grossi is due to hold talks in Moscow and Kyiv this week. The IAEA said on Saturday that Murashov's detention "has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making in ensuring the safety and security of the plant", adding to the existing security concerns at the facility. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chief of Ukraine's Moscow-held nuclear power plant released, says IAEA chief

North Korea's nuclear programme is moving "full steam ahead," according to UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi, who spoke at his agency's annual meeting on Monday.

“In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the nuclear programme goes full steam ahead with work on plutonium separation, uranium enrichment and other activities,” said Grossi, who issued a report last month saying Pyongyang appeared to have restarted a nuclear reactor that is widely believed to have produced plutonium for nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Eslami, Iran's vice president and head of the country's nuclear agency, will meet with Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director-general, on the margins of the next nuclear energy General Conference in Vienna, the IAEA and Iran stated in a joint statement on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's nuclear programme is moving "full steam ahead," according to UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi, who spoke at his agency's annual meeting on Monday.

North Korea's nuclear programme is moving "full steam ahead," according to UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi, who spoke at his agency's annual meeting on Monday. “In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the nuclear programme goes full steam ahead with work on plutonium separation, uranium enrichment and other activities,” said Grossi, who issued a report last month saying Pyongyang appeared to have restarted a nuclear reactor that is widely believed to have produced plutonium for nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Mohammad Eslami, Iran's vice president and head of the country's nuclear agency, will meet with Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director-general, on the margins of the next nuclear energy General Conference in Vienna, the IAEA and Iran stated in a joint statement on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s nuclear programme going ‘full steam ahead’, IAEA chief says

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites.

The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) after a meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in Tehran.

The announcement is likely to buy more time for Iran ahead of the IAEA board meeting this week where the Western powers had been arguing for Tehran to be censured over its lack of cooperation with international inspectors.&nbsp; Eslami said Iran would take part in that meeting and its negotiations with the IAEA would continue there.

“We agreed over the replacement of the memory cards of the agency’s cameras,” Mohammad Eslami, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies.

“IAEA’s inspectors are permitted to service the identified equipment and replace their storage media which will be kept under the joint IAEA and AEOI seals in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the nuclear bodies said in a joint statement.

“I am glad to say that today, (we) were able to have a very constructive result, which has to do with the continuity of the operation of the agency’s equipment here,” Grossi said.

It “is indispensable for us to provide the necessary guarantee and information to the IAEA and to the world that everything is in order.”

Iran and the world powers agreed in 2015 to the nuclear deal, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

In 2018, then-president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord, raising tensions across the wider Middle East and sparking a series of attacks and incidents.

After taking power, President Joe Biden said he’s willing to re-enter the accord, but so far, indirect talks have yet to see success.

(With inputs from agencies)

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites.

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites. The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) after a meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in Tehran. The announcement is likely to buy more time for Iran ahead of the IAEA board meeting this week where the Western powers had been arguing for Tehran to be censured over its lack of cooperation with international inspectors. Eslami said Iran would take part in that meeting and its negotiations with the IAEA would continue there. “We agreed over the replacement of the memory cards of the agency’s cameras,” Mohammad Eslami, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies. “IAEA’s inspectors are permitted to service the identified equipment and replace their storage media which will be kept under the joint IAEA and AEOI seals in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the nuclear bodies said in a joint statement. “I am glad to say that today, (we) were able to have a very constructive result, which has to do with the continuity of the operation of the agency’s equipment here,” Grossi said. It “is indispensable for us to provide the necessary guarantee and information to the IAEA and to the world that everything is in order.” Iran and the world powers agreed in 2015 to the nuclear deal, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In 2018, then-president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord, raising tensions across the wider Middle East and sparking a series of attacks and incidents. After taking power, President Joe Biden said he’s willing to re-enter the accord, but so far, indirect talks have yet to see success. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran reaches deal with IAEA, allows upgradation of surveillance cameras at nuclear sites

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation.

Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said.

Grossi's visit comes as talks remain locked in Vienna on saving Tehran's 2015 deal with major powers that promised it sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The landmark deal was torpedoed in 2018 by former US president Donald Trump's unilateral decision to withdraw the United States from it and impose a punishing sanctions regime.

Iran has since stepped away from many of its commitments, but the administration of US President Joe Biden has advocated a return to diplomacy to save the agreement.

A point of contention this year has been limits Iran has imposed on the IAEA's ability to monitor various of its nuclear facilities.

It has refused to provide real-time footage from cameras and other surveillance tools that the UN agency has installed in these locations.

Under a compromise deal, the monitoring equipment remains in the agency's custody but the data is in Iran's possession, and must not be erased as long as the arrangement remains in force.&nbsp;

Initially agreed for three months, the compromise was extended by another month and then expired on June 24.

The IAEA has since been urging Tehran to inform it of its intentions.

In its statement last Tuesday, the IAEA said its "verification and monitoring activities have been seriously undermined" by Tehran's actions.

It also said that Iran had boosted its stocks of uranium enriched above the levels allowed in the 2015 deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran's ultraconservative new President Ebrahim Raisi said Wednesday that his country was "transparent" about its nuclear activities.

The state-run Iran newspaper said the two sides would discuss Sunday "the temporary arrangement... on the supervision of IAEA inspectors and the contents of IAEA surveillance cameras installed in Iranian nuclear centres".

Grossi -- on his second trip to Iran this year -- was expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna airport around 8:30 pm (18:30 GMT).

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation. Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said.

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation. Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said. Grossi's visit comes as talks remain locked in Vienna on saving Tehran's 2015 deal with major powers that promised it sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The landmark deal was torpedoed in 2018 by former US president Donald Trump's unilateral decision to withdraw the United States from it and impose a punishing sanctions regime. Iran has since stepped away from many of its commitments, but the administration of US President Joe Biden has advocated a return to diplomacy to save the agreement. A point of contention this year has been limits Iran has imposed on the IAEA's ability to monitor various of its nuclear facilities. It has refused to provide real-time footage from cameras and other surveillance tools that the UN agency has installed in these locations. Under a compromise deal, the monitoring equipment remains in the agency's custody but the data is in Iran's possession, and must not be erased as long as the arrangement remains in force. Initially agreed for three months, the compromise was extended by another month and then expired on June 24. The IAEA has since been urging Tehran to inform it of its intentions. In its statement last Tuesday, the IAEA said its "verification and monitoring activities have been seriously undermined" by Tehran's actions. It also said that Iran had boosted its stocks of uranium enriched above the levels allowed in the 2015 deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran's ultraconservative new President Ebrahim Raisi said Wednesday that his country was "transparent" about its nuclear activities. The state-run Iran newspaper said the two sides would discuss Sunday "the temporary arrangement... on the supervision of IAEA inspectors and the contents of IAEA surveillance cameras installed in Iranian nuclear centres". Grossi -- on his second trip to Iran this year -- was expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna airport around 8:30 pm (18:30 GMT).

IAEA chief in Iran for talks on nuclear dispute

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said&nbsp; in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.”

He expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear programme, spelling out his concern related to its uranium enrichment.

He said Iran is enriching uranium to levels that only countries seeking to make atomic weapons reach, and that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme can no longer be returned to where it stood when a landmark 2015 deal was struck with world powers.&nbsp;

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“A country enriching at 60 per cent is a very serious thing — only countries making bombs are reaching this level,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday and cited by the Reuters News Agency.

“Sixty per cent is almost weapons-grade, commercial enrichment is 2, 3 [per cent],” he said. “This is a degree that requires a vigilant eye.”&nbsp;

“You cannot put the genie back into the bottle — once you know how to do stuff, you know, and the only way to check this is through verification,” he said, referring to checks by UN monitors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.” He expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear programme, spelling out his concern related to its uranium enrichment. He said Iran is enriching uranium to levels that only countries seeking to make atomic weapons reach, and that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme can no longer be returned to where it stood when a landmark 2015 deal was struck with world powers. “A country enriching at 60 per cent is a very serious thing — only countries making bombs are reaching this level,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday and cited by the Reuters News Agency. “Sixty per cent is almost weapons-grade, commercial enrichment is 2, 3 [per cent],” he said. “This is a degree that requires a vigilant eye.” “You cannot put the genie back into the bottle — once you know how to do stuff, you know, and the only way to check this is through verification,” he said, referring to checks by UN monitors. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s uranium enrichment now at levels of ‘countries making bombs’: IAEA chief

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