The Chinese government has urged that the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA to quickly halt the the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, citing that the deal would violate the agency's own rules.

Will China's warning to IAEA jeopardize AUKUS Nuclear-powered submarine deal?

The International Atomic Energy Agency has said that Russia and Ukraine are now leaning towards the proposed protection zone around the Russia held plant. If materialized, this can avert the risk of a potential nuclear disaster.

IAEA: Ukraine, Russia interested in protection zone around plant

<p>After the agency said in a report it "cannot assure" the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear programme, Iran reaffirmed Monday its "readiness" to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog.</p>

<p>Further complicating diplomatic efforts to revive a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful".</p>

<p>Pointing to the agency's "obligations," Tehran declared its "readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the IAEA".</p>

<p>Following a resolution criticising Iran at a meeting of the IAEA's board of governors, the UN nuclear watchdog has been pressing Iran for answers on the previous presence of traces of nuclear material at three undeclared sites.</p>

<p>In response, Iran disconnected 27 cameras allowing the agency to monitor some of its nuclear activities after consistent denial of seeking nuclear weapons.</p>

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<p>Warning of ''unconstructive results'' for any action against Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani demanded that the IAEA's probe be concluded as part of any deal.</p>

<p>Reimposing biting economic sanctions that prompted Iran to begin rolling back on its own commitments, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expressing doubt over Iran's sincerity regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, the UK, France and Germany said Tehran's actions ''jeopardise prospects of restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.''</p>

<p>Slamming the "very untimely" comments made by the European powers, Russia's envoy dismissed the perceived blockage as something that "was not a serious obstacle".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the agency said in a report it "cannot assure" the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear programme, Iran reaffirmed Monday its "readiness" to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog.

After the agency said in a report it "cannot assure" the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear programme, Iran reaffirmed Monday its "readiness" to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog. Further complicating diplomatic efforts to revive a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful". Pointing to the agency's "obligations," Tehran declared its "readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the IAEA". Following a resolution criticising Iran at a meeting of the IAEA's board of governors, the UN nuclear watchdog has been pressing Iran for answers on the previous presence of traces of nuclear material at three undeclared sites. In response, Iran disconnected 27 cameras allowing the agency to monitor some of its nuclear activities after consistent denial of seeking nuclear weapons. × Warning of ''unconstructive results'' for any action against Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani demanded that the IAEA's probe be concluded as part of any deal. Reimposing biting economic sanctions that prompted Iran to begin rolling back on its own commitments, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump. Expressing doubt over Iran's sincerity regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, the UK, France and Germany said Tehran's actions ''jeopardise prospects of restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.'' Slamming the "very untimely" comments made by the European powers, Russia's envoy dismissed the perceived blockage as something that "was not a serious obstacle". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Iran reaffirms 'readiness' to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog

<p>Warning that Tehran's position jeopardises prospects of restoring the 2015 accord, European powers on Saturday raised "serious doubts" over Iran's sincerity in seeking a nuclear agreement.</p>

<p>Issuing a joint statement, the leaders of Britain, Germany and France said the latest demands made by Iran have made them question its commitment to the nuclear deal.</p>

<p>''Iran continues to escalate its nuclear programme way beyond any plausible civilian justification,'' they added.</p>

<p>Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty that was concluded with the UN atomic energy watchdog IAEA, Tehran has also reopened issues related to its legally binding obligations.</p>

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<p>It comes after Iran was accused of being tied to a disruptive cyberattack on Albania by the United States.</p>

<p>Ordering Iranian diplomats and embassy staff to leave within 24 hours, Albania severed diplomatic relations with Iran on Wednesday due to the incident.</p>

<p>Although European mediators last month appeared to make progress in restoring the deal, optimism dimmed when the United States sent a reply.</p>

<p>Former US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran after trashing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).</p>

<p>While hopes of revival grew under President Joe Biden, a White House spokesperson said that he wants to ensure the US has "other available options" to ensure that Iran does not achieve nuclear weapons capability.</p>

<p>Calling Iran's latest reply on the nuclear deal a step "backwards", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Washington is "not about to agree to a deal that doesn't meet our bottom-line requirements".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Warning that Tehran's position jeopardises prospects of restoring the 2015 accord, European powers on Saturday raised "serious doubts" over Iran's sincerity in seeking a nuclear agreement.

Warning that Tehran's position jeopardises prospects of restoring the 2015 accord, European powers on Saturday raised "serious doubts" over Iran's sincerity in seeking a nuclear agreement. Issuing a joint statement, the leaders of Britain, Germany and France said the latest demands made by Iran have made them question its commitment to the nuclear deal. ''Iran continues to escalate its nuclear programme way beyond any plausible civilian justification,'' they added. Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty that was concluded with the UN atomic energy watchdog IAEA, Tehran has also reopened issues related to its legally binding obligations. × It comes after Iran was accused of being tied to a disruptive cyberattack on Albania by the United States. Ordering Iranian diplomats and embassy staff to leave within 24 hours, Albania severed diplomatic relations with Iran on Wednesday due to the incident. Although European mediators last month appeared to make progress in restoring the deal, optimism dimmed when the United States sent a reply. Former US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran after trashing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). While hopes of revival grew under President Joe Biden, a White House spokesperson said that he wants to ensure the US has "other available options" to ensure that Iran does not achieve nuclear weapons capability. Calling Iran's latest reply on the nuclear deal a step "backwards", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Washington is "not about to agree to a deal that doesn't meet our bottom-line requirements". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Nuclear deal: European powers express doubts over Iran's sincerity and commitment

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a new report that it was “not in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful”.

IAEA: Cannot guarantee Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful

The UN's nuclear watchdog has said that Iran has enough enriched uranium to create a nuclear bomb in three to four weeks. Passing that threshold is a milestone which comes at a time when the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers remains in tatters.

IAEA questions Iran's nuclear program, stock of uranium is enriched up to 60%

UN's atomic watchdog the IAEA has now released the much-awaited report about the security situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This comes nearly a week after IAEA chief and a team of experts made their way to the site for a thorough in-person inspection of the damages at the nuclear facility.

UN's atomic watchdog IAEA releases report on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites.</p>

<p>Citing a report that was seen by it, AFP reports that the UN's nuclear watchdog said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Nuclear deal talks see no breakthrough; Iran highlights four new issues</strong></p>

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<p>The report also said that the agency's director Rafael Grossi was "increasingly concerned that Iran has not engaged with the Agency on the outstanding safeguards issues during this reporting period and, therefore, that there has been no progress towards resolving them".</p>

<p>This comes as the United States pushes for answers on the three undeclared nuclear sites. The IAEA too has been pressing Iran for answers, however, Tehran insists that the atomic agency conclude its probe in order to revive the 2015 deal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-policy-chief-expresses-hope-for-nuclear-deal-iran-demands-stronger-guarantees-511851">EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees'</a></strong></p>

<p>In a separate report released on Wednesday, the IAEA examined Iran's June decision to turn off 27 cameras that allowed the agency's inspectors to keep an eye on the nation's nuclear activity.</p>

<p>The agency's ability to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme has been negatively impacted by the removal of the cameras, the report noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havent-got-response-from-the-us-says-iran-over-nuclear-deal-513087">Haven't got response from the US, says Iran over nuclear deal</a></strong></p>

<p>The newest reports come as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement remain in a stalemate after some headway was made last month.</p>

<p>Another recent IAEA report as reported by Reuters pointed out that Iran's stock of uranium has been enriched to up to 60 per cent, much higher than the 3.67 per cent purity it was allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, and much closer to the roughly 90 per cent that is weapons-grade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites. Citing a report that was seen by it, AFP reports that the UN's nuclear watchdog said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful". Watch | Nuclear deal talks see no breakthrough; Iran highlights four new issues The report also said that the agency's director Rafael Grossi was "increasingly concerned that Iran has not engaged with the Agency on the outstanding safeguards issues during this reporting period and, therefore, that there has been no progress towards resolving them". This comes as the United States pushes for answers on the three undeclared nuclear sites. The IAEA too has been pressing Iran for answers, however, Tehran insists that the atomic agency conclude its probe in order to revive the 2015 deal. Also read | EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees' In a separate report released on Wednesday, the IAEA examined Iran's June decision to turn off 27 cameras that allowed the agency's inspectors to keep an eye on the nation's nuclear activity. The agency's ability to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme has been negatively impacted by the removal of the cameras, the report noted. Also read | Haven't got response from the US, says Iran over nuclear deal The newest reports come as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement remain in a stalemate after some headway was made last month. Another recent IAEA report as reported by Reuters pointed out that Iran's stock of uranium has been enriched to up to 60 per cent, much higher than the 3.67 per cent purity it was allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, and much closer to the roughly 90 per cent that is weapons-grade. (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.

UN Nuclear watchdog says can't ensure 'Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful'

The International Atomic Energy Agency has released its much-awaited report on security situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The 50-page report calls for an immediate establishment of a security zone to enable inspectors to monitor the situation at the plant, our next report has all the details.

Ukraine supports IAEA's call to demilitarize Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

<p>The UN nuclear watchdog has sounded alarm over the fragile situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia, and called for an urgent need for “interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident”.</p>

<p>The warning comes in the wake of a spurt in attacks in the vicinity ever since it fell under the control of the Russian troops in March.</p>

<p>"The current situation is untenable," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report after it sent inspectors to the plant last week.</p>

<p>"There is an urgent need for interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident... This can be achieved by the immediate establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone."</p>

<p>Later in an interview to CNN, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, who recently returned from a visit to the nuclear plant, said that the situation continues to be "very worrying" and warned "we are playing with fire."</p>

<p>Speaking from Vienna, Director General Rafael Grossi called for the deployment of a safety zone around the Russian-held site amid sustained shelling.</p>

<p>"What is urgently needed, now, today, is that we agree on establishing a protection (if you want), a shield, a bubble around the perimeter of the facility," Grossi was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>The IAEA chief further said that he would quickly consult with the relevant stakeholders to "establish an interim measure" because "what we need desperately is to protect this nuclear plant because it is being shelled."</p>

<p>"Now the IAEA has been there, we have corroborated what is happening. And this is a measure that one way or the other must be put in place. We can do it. We have the means to do it ... Nuclear security is indispensable. We are playing with fire,” he added.</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling at the site, despite the watchdog's recommendations.</p>

<p>According to the Russian defence ministry, radiation levels around the plant are normal.</p>

<p>Last week, the IAEA sent a 14-person team to the site for inspection. It has stationed two members at the site on a permanent basis to ensure the facility's safety.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The UN nuclear watchdog has sounded alarm over the fragile situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia, and called for an urgent need for “interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident”.

The UN nuclear watchdog has sounded alarm over the fragile situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia, and called for an urgent need for “interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident”. The warning comes in the wake of a spurt in attacks in the vicinity ever since it fell under the control of the Russian troops in March. "The current situation is untenable," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report after it sent inspectors to the plant last week. "There is an urgent need for interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident... This can be achieved by the immediate establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone." Later in an interview to CNN, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, who recently returned from a visit to the nuclear plant, said that the situation continues to be "very worrying" and warned "we are playing with fire." Speaking from Vienna, Director General Rafael Grossi called for the deployment of a safety zone around the Russian-held site amid sustained shelling. "What is urgently needed, now, today, is that we agree on establishing a protection (if you want), a shield, a bubble around the perimeter of the facility," Grossi was quoted as saying. The IAEA chief further said that he would quickly consult with the relevant stakeholders to "establish an interim measure" because "what we need desperately is to protect this nuclear plant because it is being shelled." "Now the IAEA has been there, we have corroborated what is happening. And this is a measure that one way or the other must be put in place. We can do it. We have the means to do it ... Nuclear security is indispensable. We are playing with fire,” he added. Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling at the site, despite the watchdog's recommendations. According to the Russian defence ministry, radiation levels around the plant are normal. Last week, the IAEA sent a 14-person team to the site for inspection. It has stationed two members at the site on a permanent basis to ensure the facility's safety. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: IAEA calls for urgent measures to ‘prevent disaster’

Two IAEA mission members are expected to stay at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on a "permanent basis," Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom said on Monday.

Ukraine: Two IAEA staff expected to stay at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on 'permanent basis'

Ukraine Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is in the eye of the war. Both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for shelling the plant on Friday. UN inspectors spent a second day at the plant assessing the situation.

IAEA spends 2nd day at plant, Russian defence minister accuses Ukraine of 'nuclear terrorism'

The United Nations nuclear experts have reached the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and have made their very first inspection. The team that has been led by the IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that the physical integrity of the plant had been violated several times.

'Situation at plant can't continue,' says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on Zaporizhzhia inspection

International Atomic Energy Agency's team led by chief Rafael Grossi has visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to assess damages that occurred by consistent shelling. Grossi, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog says the physical integrity of the Russian-occupied nuclear plant in Ukraine had been violated several times.

Ukraine: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi leads Zaporizhzhia inspection

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation inspected the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine as fears have grown about a potential catastrophe.

International Atomic Energy Agency team inspects Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

IAEA is currently in Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia to visit Europe's largest nuclear plant. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said it plans to establish a permanent presence at the nuclear plant.

IAEA wants permanent presence at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

<p>In order to prevent "a nuclear accident" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station on the frontlines of the conflict, UN inspectors said on Wednesday that they will work to establish a permanent presence at the plant in southern Ukraine controlled by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of 14 people is scheduled to reach the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is located in Russian-controlled territory, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After travelling from Kyiv to the city of Zaporizhzhia, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi told reporters, "My mission is... to prevent a nuclear accident and preserve the largest nuclear power plant in Europe."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are preparing for the real work which begins tomorrow," he said. "We are going to try to establish a permanent presence for the agency."</p>

<p>The fate of the plant on the banks of the Dnipro River is causing widespread worry, and on Wednesday, further shelling hit the village next to Europe's largest nuclear reactor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Evhen Yevtushenko, a military official in the area, claimed on Wednesday morning that "the Russian army is shelling Energodar," the town next to the facility with a pre-war population of 50,000.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a></p>

<p>Attacks in the area have been routinely blamed on both sides.</p>

<p>Mayor Dmytro Orlov posted images of the damaged building with a hole punched into its side on Telegram, writing that one of the rounds struck Energodar's municipal council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said on Facebook that "the &nbsp;Russian occupying forces must stop shelling the corridors to be used by the IAEA mission and not obstruct its activities at the plant."</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In order to prevent "a nuclear accident" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station on the frontlines of the conflict, UN inspectors said on Wednesday that they will work to establish a permanent presence at the plant in southern Ukraine controlled by Russia.

In order to prevent "a nuclear accident" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station on the frontlines of the conflict, UN inspectors said on Wednesday that they will work to establish a permanent presence at the plant in southern Ukraine controlled by Russia. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of 14 people is scheduled to reach the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is located in Russian-controlled territory, on Thursday. After travelling from Kyiv to the city of Zaporizhzhia, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi told reporters, "My mission is... to prevent a nuclear accident and preserve the largest nuclear power plant in Europe." "We are preparing for the real work which begins tomorrow," he said. "We are going to try to establish a permanent presence for the agency." The fate of the plant on the banks of the Dnipro River is causing widespread worry, and on Wednesday, further shelling hit the village next to Europe's largest nuclear reactor. Evhen Yevtushenko, a military official in the area, claimed on Wednesday morning that "the Russian army is shelling Energodar," the town next to the facility with a pre-war population of 50,000. Also Read: Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence Attacks in the area have been routinely blamed on both sides. Mayor Dmytro Orlov posted images of the damaged building with a hole punched into its side on Telegram, writing that one of the rounds struck Energodar's municipal council. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said on Facebook that "the Russian occupying forces must stop shelling the corridors to be used by the IAEA mission and not obstruct its activities at the plant." (with inputs from agencies)

IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident'

<p>A team of UN inspectors visited Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia atomic plant complex on Thursday (September 1) to assess&nbsp;the risk of a radiation disaster at the plant.</p>

<p>The support&nbsp;assistance mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by&nbsp;Director General Rafael Grossi&nbsp;reached the facility around 3:00 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian agencies quoted Grossi as saying that the team "saw what needed to see"&nbsp;at Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think we were able in these few hours to put together a lot, a lot of information. The key things I needed to see I saw, and your explanations were very clear," Rafael Grossi told Russian media.</p>

<p>The team arrived on the day when there was shelling near the site. The International Committee of the Red Cross&nbsp;(ICRC)&nbsp;also warned that the consequences of a strike on the facility could be "catastrophic".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-operator-says-one-reactor-shut-down-due-to-shelling-512039">Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Operator says one reactor shut down due to shelling</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant has been at the centre of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war after the recent claims of firing raised fears of nuclear disaster. Both sides have accused each other of firing and shelling at the facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear power plant across Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant soon after the nation announced the invasion of Ukraine on February&nbsp;24, what it refers to as a "special military operation". But notably, the plant is still run by Ukrainian technicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-wants-germany-to-pay-wwii-reparations-of-132-trillion-512111">Poland wants Germany to pay WWII reparations of $1.32 trillion</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚡ IAEA's Support and Assistance Mission to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zaporizhzhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zaporizhzhya</a> (ISAMZ) led by Director General <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelMGrossi</a> has just arrived at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant to conduct indispensable nuclear safety and security and safeguards activities.</p>
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1565308387339927554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UN IAEA inspectors are seeking to establish a permanent presence at a Russian-held plant in southern Ukraine to avoid "a nuclear accident" at the facility on the frontline of the fighting<a href="https://t.co/Vru1brm8Dv">https://t.co/Vru1brm8Dv</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jc062Zdu1P">pic.twitter.com/Jc062Zdu1P</a></p>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UN team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant, IAEA visit delayed by renewed shelling&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As per news agency Reuters, its reporter saw the IAEA team arrive in a large convoy with a heavy presence of Russian soldiers nearby. Citing a Ukrainian source with knowledge of the situation, the news agency also mentioned that the mission "may turn out to be shorter than was planned."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom accused Moscow and stated that the Russian shelling had forced the shutdown of one of the only two operating reactors at the site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the accusations, Moscow said it had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to seize the plant. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov even said they are doing everything to ensure that the plant could operate safely. Lavrov also said that they are looking after the process so that the IAEA experts be able to complete their tasks.&nbsp;</p>

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A team of UN inspectors visited Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia atomic plant complex on Thursday (September 1) to assess the risk of a radiation disaster at the plant. The support assistance mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by Director General Rafael Grossi reached the facility around 3:00 pm (local time).

A team of UN inspectors visited Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia atomic plant complex on Thursday (September 1) to assess the risk of a radiation disaster at the plant. The support assistance mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by Director General Rafael Grossi reached the facility around 3:00 pm (local time). Russian agencies quoted Grossi as saying that the team "saw what needed to see" at Zaporizhzhia. "I think we were able in these few hours to put together a lot, a lot of information. The key things I needed to see I saw, and your explanations were very clear," Rafael Grossi told Russian media. The team arrived on the day when there was shelling near the site. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also warned that the consequences of a strike on the facility could be "catastrophic". ALSO READ | Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Operator says one reactor shut down due to shelling The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant has been at the centre of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war after the recent claims of firing raised fears of nuclear disaster. Both sides have accused each other of firing and shelling at the facility. Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear power plant across Europe. Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant soon after the nation announced the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, what it refers to as a "special military operation". But notably, the plant is still run by Ukrainian technicians. ALSO READ | Poland wants Germany to pay WWII reparations of $1.32 trillion ⚡ IAEA's Support and Assistance Mission to #Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) led by Director General @RafaelMGrossi has just arrived at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant to conduct indispensable nuclear safety and security and safeguards activities. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) September 1, 2022 × UN IAEA inspectors are seeking to establish a permanent presence at a Russian-held plant in southern Ukraine to avoid "a nuclear accident" at the facility on the frontline of the fightinghttps://t.co/Vru1brm8Dv pic.twitter.com/Jc062Zdu1P — AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 1, 2022 × WATCH | UN team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant, IAEA visit delayed by renewed shelling × As per news agency Reuters, its reporter saw the IAEA team arrive in a large convoy with a heavy presence of Russian soldiers nearby. Citing a Ukrainian source with knowledge of the situation, the news agency also mentioned that the mission "may turn out to be shorter than was planned." Earlier in the day, Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom accused Moscow and stated that the Russian shelling had forced the shutdown of one of the only two operating reactors at the site. Responding to the accusations, Moscow said it had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to seize the plant. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov even said they are doing everything to ensure that the plant could operate safely. Lavrov also said that they are looking after the process so that the IAEA experts be able to complete their tasks. 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.

'Saw what we needed to see': IAEA team at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine

A team of United Nation's experts is on its way to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power plant. The visit of the UN team was delayed after shelling near the plant.

UN team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant, IAEA visit delayed by renewed shelling

<p>As fierce combat raged throughout southern Ukraine on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with top UN nuclear inspectors in Kyiv ahead of their visit to evaluate the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, according to his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rafael Grossi, the chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and a 14-person team arrived in Kyiv late on Monday in preparation for a visit to the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe that has been under Russian military control since early March.</p>

<p>"This is probably one of the top-priority questions regarding the safety of Ukraine and the world today," Zelensky said, calling for the "immediate de-militarisation of the plant" and its transfer to "full Ukrainian control".</p>

<p>According to Ukraine's nuclear agency Energoatom, the plant came under further shelling over the weekend, with Moscow and Kyiv trading accusations for the strikes near the complex of six nuclear reactors that is situated on the banks of the Dnipro River.</p>

<p>In the meantime, a fierce battle raged throughout the nearby Kherson region of the south as Ukrainian forces launched a significant counteroffensive "in various directions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-zero-covid-policy-faces-rare-public-criticism-511536">Xi Jinping's 'zero-covid' policy faces rare public criticism</a></p>

<p>At the beginning of the invasion six months ago, Moscow's forces grabbed the majority of the Black Sea-bordering Kherson area, including its provincial capital of the same name.</p>

<p>Since the fighting has virtually ceased in the eastern Donbas region, commentators have predicted for weeks that fighting will move south to end the standoff before winter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuesday also saw further Russian attacks on Kharkiv's centre, which resulted in at least five fatalities and seven injuries. However, the southern counteroffensive continued to receive most of the focus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report made on Tuesday by the Russian defence ministry, Ukraine's southern counterattack resulted in "large-scale losses" of more than 1,200 soldiers and 150 military vehicles.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As fierce combat raged throughout southern Ukraine on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with top UN nuclear inspectors in Kyiv ahead of their visit to evaluate the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, according to his office.

As fierce combat raged throughout southern Ukraine on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with top UN nuclear inspectors in Kyiv ahead of their visit to evaluate the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, according to his office. Rafael Grossi, the chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and a 14-person team arrived in Kyiv late on Monday in preparation for a visit to the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe that has been under Russian military control since early March. "This is probably one of the top-priority questions regarding the safety of Ukraine and the world today," Zelensky said, calling for the "immediate de-militarisation of the plant" and its transfer to "full Ukrainian control". According to Ukraine's nuclear agency Energoatom, the plant came under further shelling over the weekend, with Moscow and Kyiv trading accusations for the strikes near the complex of six nuclear reactors that is situated on the banks of the Dnipro River. In the meantime, a fierce battle raged throughout the nearby Kherson region of the south as Ukrainian forces launched a significant counteroffensive "in various directions." Also Read: Xi Jinping's 'zero-covid' policy faces rare public criticism At the beginning of the invasion six months ago, Moscow's forces grabbed the majority of the Black Sea-bordering Kherson area, including its provincial capital of the same name. Since the fighting has virtually ceased in the eastern Donbas region, commentators have predicted for weeks that fighting will move south to end the standoff before winter. Tuesday also saw further Russian attacks on Kharkiv's centre, which resulted in at least five fatalities and seven injuries. However, the southern counteroffensive continued to receive most of the focus. According to a report made on Tuesday by the Russian defence ministry, Ukraine's southern counterattack resulted in "large-scale losses" of more than 1,200 soldiers and 150 military vehicles. (with inputs from agencies)

Zelensky meets IAEA chief ahead of agency delegation's visit to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

<p>European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees".</p>

<p>After receiving "reasonable" responses to his proposed text from Iran and the United States, Borell said, "I am hoping that in the coming days we are not going to lose this momentum and we can close the deal."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran using advanced centrifuges IR-6 for enriching Uranium: IAEA</strong></p>

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<p>On the other hand, as per AFP, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday: "We are thinking about how to reach a strong text on the issue of the guarantee, and to obtain stronger guarantees" adding that his colleagues are examining the American side's text.</p>

<p>"We want to reinforce in the text the idea that the International Atomic Energy Agency concentrates on its technical task and moves away from its political role," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-steps-up-underground-uranium-enrichment-iaea-report-says-511383" hreflang="en">Iran steps up underground uranium enrichment, IAEA report says</a></strong></p>

<p>The US has insisted that Tehran comply with the IAEA to assuage fears about operations at three unannounced sites.</p>

<p>"When it comes to guarantees, resolving outstanding issues related to the IAEA is also of serious concern to us," Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>AFP reports that earlier on Monday, Tehran President Ebrahim Raisi said that renewing the nuclear agreement would be useless unless the UN nuclear inspector stopped looking into three unreported sites in the Islamic republic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revival-of-nuclear-deal-pointless-unless-un-watchdog-ends-probe-of-undeclared-sites-raisi-511252" hreflang="en">Revival of nuclear deal pointless unless UN watchdog ends probe of undeclared sites: Raisi</a></strong></p>

<p>IAEA &nbsp;board of governors also adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations.</p>

<p>However, in an interview with CNN last week, Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, dismissed the idea of the organisation wrapping up its investigation into the unreported locations without receiving any responses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees".

European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees". After receiving "reasonable" responses to his proposed text from Iran and the United States, Borell said, "I am hoping that in the coming days we are not going to lose this momentum and we can close the deal." Watch | Iran using advanced centrifuges IR-6 for enriching Uranium: IAEA On the other hand, as per AFP, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday: "We are thinking about how to reach a strong text on the issue of the guarantee, and to obtain stronger guarantees" adding that his colleagues are examining the American side's text. "We want to reinforce in the text the idea that the International Atomic Energy Agency concentrates on its technical task and moves away from its political role," he said. Also read | Iran steps up underground uranium enrichment, IAEA report says The US has insisted that Tehran comply with the IAEA to assuage fears about operations at three unannounced sites. "When it comes to guarantees, resolving outstanding issues related to the IAEA is also of serious concern to us," Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday. AFP reports that earlier on Monday, Tehran President Ebrahim Raisi said that renewing the nuclear agreement would be useless unless the UN nuclear inspector stopped looking into three unreported sites in the Islamic republic. Also read | Revival of nuclear deal pointless unless UN watchdog ends probe of undeclared sites: Raisi IAEA board of governors also adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations. However, in an interview with CNN last week, Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, dismissed the idea of the organisation wrapping up its investigation into the unreported locations without receiving any responses. (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.

EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6527ccbe-2e46-40c5-a6bf-4d871f6906df}{239}" paraid="143665140" >Iran is pressing ahead with its rollout of an upgrade to its advanced uranium enrichment programme, a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters on Monday showed, even as the West awaits Iran's response on salvaging its 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6527ccbe-2e46-40c5-a6bf-4d871f6906df}{242}" paraid="1816197200" >The first of three cascades, or clusters, of advanced IR-6 centrifuges recently installed at the underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) at Natanz is now enriching, the report said, the latest underground site at which the advanced machines have come onstream.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6527ccbe-2e46-40c5-a6bf-4d871f6906df}{250}" paraid="979857234" >Diplomats say the IR-6 is its most advanced model, far more efficient than the first-generation IR-1 - the only one the deal lets it enrich with.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6527ccbe-2e46-40c5-a6bf-4d871f6906df}{253}" paraid="612706985" >For more than a year Iran has been using IR-6 centrifuges to enrich uranium to up to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade, at an above-ground plant at Natanz.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{1}" paraid="1714611715" >Recently it has expanded its enrichment with IR-6 machines at other sites. Last month a second IR-6 cascade at Fordow, a site buried inside a mountain, started enriching to up to 20%.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{7}" paraid="602834224" >In the confidential report to U.N. member states, the watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, wrote: "On 28 August 2022, the Agency verified at FEP that Iran was feeding UF6 enriched up to 2% U-235 into the IR-6 cascade ... for the production of UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{7}" paraid="602834224" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protestors-take-dip-in-pool-after-storming-presidential-palace-in-baghdad-watch-511367" hreflang="en">Iraqi protesters take dip in pool after storming presidential palace in Baghdad - WATCH</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{10}" paraid="1450275945" >Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) is the gas centrifuges enrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{13}" paraid="1400386696" >Of the two other IR-6 cascades installed at the Natanz FEP, one was undergoing passivation with depleted UF6, a process that is carried out before enrichment proper begins, and the other had yet to be fed with any nuclear material, the agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4897e0fb-3f9c-4a92-bf7e-ba6600231f16}{175}" paraid="428651918" >Iran and the United States appear to be inching towards an agreement to revive the 2015 deal, which placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions against Tehran. That deal unravelled after a U.S. withdrawal in 2018 prompted Iran to breach those restrictions one by one.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{22}" paraid="528455191" >After more than a year of indirect talks, Iran has said it will soon respond to the latest U.S. comments on a compromise text submitted by the European Union, which is coordinating the talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{25}" paraid="698055399" >A deal would involve undoing much of the enrichment work Iran has been doing, and capping its enrichment at 3.67% purity.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{28}" paraid="1951289393" >Its installation of advanced machines at underground sites like Natanz and Fordow, however, could be a signal to any power that might want to attack it if there is no agreement, since it is unclear that airstrikes on those sites would be effective.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{964f481c-ce51-4c31-a890-e9806126fb55}{31}" paraid="1247015976" >Western powers worry that Iran is moving towards the ability to make nuclear bombs. Iran denies any such intention.&nbsp;</p>

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Iran is pressing ahead with its rollout of an upgrade to its advanced uranium enrichment programme, a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters on Monday showed, even as the West awaits Iran's response on salvaging its 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran is pressing ahead with its rollout of an upgrade to its advanced uranium enrichment programme, a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters on Monday showed, even as the West awaits Iran's response on salvaging its 2015 nuclear deal. The first of three cascades, or clusters, of advanced IR-6 centrifuges recently installed at the underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) at Natanz is now enriching, the report said, the latest underground site at which the advanced machines have come onstream. Diplomats say the IR-6 is its most advanced model, far more efficient than the first-generation IR-1 - the only one the deal lets it enrich with. For more than a year Iran has been using IR-6 centrifuges to enrich uranium to up to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade, at an above-ground plant at Natanz. Recently it has expanded its enrichment with IR-6 machines at other sites. Last month a second IR-6 cascade at Fordow, a site buried inside a mountain, started enriching to up to 20%. In the confidential report to U.N. member states, the watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, wrote: "On 28 August 2022, the Agency verified at FEP that Iran was feeding UF6 enriched up to 2% U-235 into the IR-6 cascade ... for the production of UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235." Also read | Iraqi protesters take dip in pool after storming presidential palace in Baghdad - WATCH Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) is the gas centrifuges enrich. Of the two other IR-6 cascades installed at the Natanz FEP, one was undergoing passivation with depleted UF6, a process that is carried out before enrichment proper begins, and the other had yet to be fed with any nuclear material, the agency said. Iran and the United States appear to be inching towards an agreement to revive the 2015 deal, which placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions against Tehran. That deal unravelled after a U.S. withdrawal in 2018 prompted Iran to breach those restrictions one by one. After more than a year of indirect talks, Iran has said it will soon respond to the latest U.S. comments on a compromise text submitted by the European Union, which is coordinating the talks. A deal would involve undoing much of the enrichment work Iran has been doing, and capping its enrichment at 3.67% purity. Its installation of advanced machines at underground sites like Natanz and Fordow, however, could be a signal to any power that might want to attack it if there is no agreement, since it is unclear that airstrikes on those sites would be effective. Western powers worry that Iran is moving towards the ability to make nuclear bombs. Iran denies any such intention. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Iran steps up underground uranium enrichment, IAEA report says

Ahead of the IAEA visit to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a new set of latest satellite images have appeared which showed the damage from an artillery attack to the roof of a building right next to the nuclear reactors at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

New artillery attack as IAEA heads to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Ahead of reviving the Iran nuclear deal, International Atomic Energy Agency has made some shocking revelations over Iran's nuclear programme. According to an IAEA report, Iran has now begun uranium enrichment with new advanced centrifuge at its underground Natanz nuclear site.

WION Dispatch: Iran inching closer to enriching nukes? IAEA's shocking report amidst nuke deal talks

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