Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported.

The UN nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 5) calling on Iran to cooperate with it.

“The decision of the Western countries was quick and hasty, and it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the course of diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation between Iran and the opposing parties,” state TV cited Iran’s mission to the United Nations as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hits-hamas-compound-at-un-school-in-central-gaza-27-killed-729210">Israel hits 'Hamas compound' inside central Gaza UN school; 27 killed</a>

Britain, France and Germany led the motion at the IAEA board, the first since November 2022, urging Iran to cooperate. However, China and Russia opposed.

The move comes amid an impasse over Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and as Western powers fear Tehran may be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran has consistently denied.

The resolution passed with 20 votes in favour – including the United States, which initially was reluctant for fear of aggravating Middle East tensions – with 12 abstention and one country not participating, reported AFP news agency.

The censure motion aims to raise diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the option to potentially refer the issue to the UN Security Council.

Iran preemptively condemned the censure motion as lacking legal, technical, and political merit, threatening a strong response.

In the past, similar resolutions have provoked Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance cameras and other equipment from its nuclear facilities and ratcheting up its uranium enrichment activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recipe-for-very-serious-problems-putin-says-russia-could-supply-arms-to-other-nations-to-strike-the-west-729207">Putin says Russia could supply arms to other nations to strike the West</a>

The IAEA has said that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now has enough material to build several atomic bombs.

‘Strong and renewed message’

As per the IAEA, Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60 percent – just short of weapons-grade – while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles.

In a statement, Britain, France, and Germany (E3) emphasised the resolution's strong message backing the IAEA's efforts. They warned Iran that the international community will not tolerate actions that threaten the non-proliferation system and undermine safeguards designed to prevent nuclear proliferation.

“We hope Iran takes this chance to resolve these matters so that no further Board action is necessary.”

However, Iran has gradually broken away from its promises under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015.

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The landmark deal provided Iran with relief from Western sanctions in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the US under then-President Donald Trump in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.

Iran, along with Russia and China, in a joint statement urged Western countries to show political will and take the necessary action to resume the implementation of the 2015 deal, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

But the US rejected that claims, saying Iran refused an agreement when it was probable and “continued with activities that negated the chance for that deal, and now making baseless statements.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported.

Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported. The UN nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 5) calling on Iran to cooperate with it. “The decision of the Western countries was quick and hasty, and it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the course of diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation between Iran and the opposing parties,” state TV cited Iran’s mission to the United Nations as saying. Also read: Israel hits 'Hamas compound' inside central Gaza UN school; 27 killed Britain, France and Germany led the motion at the IAEA board, the first since November 2022, urging Iran to cooperate. However, China and Russia opposed. The move comes amid an impasse over Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and as Western powers fear Tehran may be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran has consistently denied. The resolution passed with 20 votes in favour – including the United States, which initially was reluctant for fear of aggravating Middle East tensions – with 12 abstention and one country not participating, reported AFP news agency. The censure motion aims to raise diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the option to potentially refer the issue to the UN Security Council. Iran preemptively condemned the censure motion as lacking legal, technical, and political merit, threatening a strong response. In the past, similar resolutions have provoked Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance cameras and other equipment from its nuclear facilities and ratcheting up its uranium enrichment activities. Also read: Putin says Russia could supply arms to other nations to strike the West The IAEA has said that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now has enough material to build several atomic bombs. ‘Strong and renewed message’ As per the IAEA, Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60 percent – just short of weapons-grade – while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles. In a statement, Britain, France, and Germany (E3) emphasised the resolution's strong message backing the IAEA's efforts. They warned Iran that the international community will not tolerate actions that threaten the non-proliferation system and undermine safeguards designed to prevent nuclear proliferation. “We hope Iran takes this chance to resolve these matters so that no further Board action is necessary.” However, Iran has gradually broken away from its promises under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015. Also read: South Koreans send balloons carrying anti-Kim Jong Un material to North The landmark deal provided Iran with relief from Western sanctions in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the US under then-President Donald Trump in 2018. Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed. Iran, along with Russia and China, in a joint statement urged Western countries to show political will and take the necessary action to resume the implementation of the 2015 deal, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. But the US rejected that claims, saying Iran refused an agreement when it was probable and “continued with activities that negated the chance for that deal, and now making baseless statements. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran criticises UN nuclear watchdog resolution, calls it ‘unwise’

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 |&nbsp;Nuclear deal talks see no breakthrough; Iran highlights four new issues

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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 |&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>

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 |&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>

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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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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'

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has said he will lead a mission to Chernobyl as soon as possible.

He said the “assistance and support” of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)&nbsp;to the Chernobyl mission “will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine.”

“The general radiation situation around the plant is quite normal. There was a relatively higher level of localised radiation because of the movement of heavy vehicles at the time of the occupation of the plant and apparently this might have been the case again on the way out. So we heard about the possibility of some personnel being contaminated but we don’t have any confirmation about that,"&nbsp;Grossi&nbsp;said at a news conference.

Grossi is currently in the Russian city of Kaliningrad for talks with senior officials about nuclear issues in Ukraine.&nbsp;

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“What we know is what we want to see as far as the nuclear power facilities in Ukraine are concerned and this (Russian troop withdrawal) is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. We had been saying that the plant needed to be operated by its own natural operators which was the case, that it had to have a physical integrity protected, that the people there had to work under normal circumstances,”&nbsp;Grossi&nbsp;said.

Nine of Ukraine’s 15 operational reactors are currently in use, including two at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhya facility, the agency said.

It comes after Ukraine said Russian troops had left the radioactive waste facilities with radiation sickness though some remained nearby.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I will head an <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAEAorg</a> assistance and support mission to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chornobyl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chornobyl</a> Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible. It will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>.
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi/status/1509832578408329217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"As they ran away from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the Russian occupiers took members of the National Guard, whom they had held hostage since Feb 24, with them," the state nuclear agency Energoatom said in a statement on Telegram, citing plant workers.

"There is also evidence that a column of Russian soldiers who are besieging the town of Slavutych is currently being formed to move towards Belarus," it said.&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/multiple-launches-russia-fires-kinzhal-dagger-hypersonic-missiles-in-ukraine-war-467136" hreflang="en">'Multiple launches': Russia fires Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missiles in Ukraine war</a>

It gave no details on the condition of the soldiers it said were exposed to radiation, and it did not say how many were affected.

Since the Russian invasion, there have been fears of increased radiological risks in Chernobyl. The workforce there oversees the safe storage of spent fuel rods and the concrete-entombed ruins of the reactor that exploded in 1986.

Chernobyl's number four reactor exploded on April 26, 1986, causing the world's worst nuclear accident which killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe. The site lies near the Belarus border.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has said he will lead a mission to Chernobyl as soon as possible. He said the “assistance and support” of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the Chernobyl mission “will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has said he will lead a mission to Chernobyl as soon as possible. He said the “assistance and support” of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the Chernobyl mission “will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine.” “The general radiation situation around the plant is quite normal. There was a relatively higher level of localised radiation because of the movement of heavy vehicles at the time of the occupation of the plant and apparently this might have been the case again on the way out. So we heard about the possibility of some personnel being contaminated but we don’t have any confirmation about that," Grossi said at a news conference. Grossi is currently in the Russian city of Kaliningrad for talks with senior officials about nuclear issues in Ukraine. “What we know is what we want to see as far as the nuclear power facilities in Ukraine are concerned and this (Russian troop withdrawal) is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. We had been saying that the plant needed to be operated by its own natural operators which was the case, that it had to have a physical integrity protected, that the people there had to work under normal circumstances,” Grossi said. Nine of Ukraine’s 15 operational reactors are currently in use, including two at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhya facility, the agency said. It comes after Ukraine said Russian troops had left the radioactive waste facilities with radiation sickness though some remained nearby. I will head an @IAEAorg assistance and support mission to the #Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible. It will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to #Ukraine. — Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 1, 2022 × "As they ran away from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the Russian occupiers took members of the National Guard, whom they had held hostage since Feb 24, with them," the state nuclear agency Energoatom said in a statement on Telegram, citing plant workers. "There is also evidence that a column of Russian soldiers who are besieging the town of Slavutych is currently being formed to move towards Belarus," it said. Also see | 'Multiple launches': Russia fires Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missiles in Ukraine war It gave no details on the condition of the soldiers it said were exposed to radiation, and it did not say how many were affected. Since the Russian invasion, there have been fears of increased radiological risks in Chernobyl. The workforce there oversees the safe storage of spent fuel rods and the concrete-entombed ruins of the reactor that exploded in 1986. Chernobyl's number four reactor exploded on April 26, 1986, causing the world's worst nuclear accident which killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe. The site lies near the Belarus border. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi will go to Chernobyl

The UN nuclear watchdog has voiced concern that Iran had not clarified queries over possible undeclared nuclear activity, adding that its enriched uranium stockpile was 16 times over the limit.

UN Nuclear watchdog concerned over undeclared Iran site

A few hours before the US sanctions are to be lifted in Iran, the UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi landed in the country.

As US President Joe Biden urged 'careful diplomacy', Grossi arrived in Tehran and was welcomed by Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kazem Gharibabadi and Iran Atomic Energy Organisation official Behrouz Kamalvandi.

"DG Grossi just arrived in Tehran and was received by the IAEO deputy, Kamalvandi and Ambassador Gharibabadi," Gharibabadi tweeted.

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DG Grossi just arrived in Tehran and was received by the IAEO deputy, Kamalvandi and Ambassador Gharibabadi. <a href="https://t.co/D4fY4lOISZ">pic.twitter.com/D4fY4lOISZ</a>
— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gharibabadi/status/1363179060852121601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The deadline, which has been set by Iranian lawmakers has a potential threat of suspension of some nuclear inspections, stoking international concern about a possible expulsion of UN inspectors.

However, Iran is adamant that it will not cease its operations with IAEA or expel its inspectors.

Grossi took to Twitter to announce his intentions from the visit and said he hopes these meetings with senior Iranian officials leads to "a mutually agreeable solution, compatible with Iranian law, so that the @IAEAorg can continue essential verification activities in Iran. Looking forward to success – this is in everybody’s interest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uns-nuclear-watchdog-chief-arrives-in-tehran-iran-365126">WATCH|</a>

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Iran has told IAEA that it will be suspending "voluntary transparency measures", notably inspection visits to non-nuclear sites, including military sites suspected of nuclear-related activity if the United States has not lifted the sweeping sanctions from former president Donald Trump reimposed in 2018.

Meanwhile, the head of Iran's atomic body, Ali Akbar Salehi, confirmed on Sunday that the new measures, which were laid out in a law passed in December by the conservative-majority parliament, will go into effect on Tuesday.

He also added that as Iran is implementing the law and "the other side has not yet fulfilled its obligations to lift the sanctions, inspections beyond safeguard measures will be suspended."

"During tomorrow's (Sunday) meeting with Mr. Grossi, the IAEA's considerations in the framework of the safeguards agreement and bilateral cooperation will be reviewed and discussed," he added.

A few hours before the US sanctions are to be lifted in Iran, the UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi landed in the country. As US President Joe Biden urged 'careful diplomacy', Grossi arrived in Tehran and was welcomed by Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kazem Gharibabadi and Iran Atomic Energy Organisation official Behrouz Kamalvandi.

A few hours before the US sanctions are to be lifted in Iran, the UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi landed in the country. As US President Joe Biden urged 'careful diplomacy', Grossi arrived in Tehran and was welcomed by Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kazem Gharibabadi and Iran Atomic Energy Organisation official Behrouz Kamalvandi. "DG Grossi just arrived in Tehran and was received by the IAEO deputy, Kamalvandi and Ambassador Gharibabadi," Gharibabadi tweeted. DG Grossi just arrived in Tehran and was received by the IAEO deputy, Kamalvandi and Ambassador Gharibabadi. pic.twitter.com/D4fY4lOISZ — Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) February 20, 2021 × The deadline, which has been set by Iranian lawmakers has a potential threat of suspension of some nuclear inspections, stoking international concern about a possible expulsion of UN inspectors. However, Iran is adamant that it will not cease its operations with IAEA or expel its inspectors. Grossi took to Twitter to announce his intentions from the visit and said he hopes these meetings with senior Iranian officials leads to "a mutually agreeable solution, compatible with Iranian law, so that the @IAEAorg can continue essential verification activities in Iran. Looking forward to success – this is in everybody’s interest." WATCH| Iran has told IAEA that it will be suspending "voluntary transparency measures", notably inspection visits to non-nuclear sites, including military sites suspected of nuclear-related activity if the United States has not lifted the sweeping sanctions from former president Donald Trump reimposed in 2018. Meanwhile, the head of Iran's atomic body, Ali Akbar Salehi, confirmed on Sunday that the new measures, which were laid out in a law passed in December by the conservative-majority parliament, will go into effect on Tuesday. He also added that as Iran is implementing the law and "the other side has not yet fulfilled its obligations to lift the sanctions, inspections beyond safeguard measures will be suspended." "During tomorrow's (Sunday) meeting with Mr. Grossi, the IAEA's considerations in the framework of the safeguards agreement and bilateral cooperation will be reviewed and discussed," he added.

UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline

UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi is set to open talks Saturday in Iran on the eve of Tehran's deadline for US sanctions to be lifted.

The dialogue is happening in the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's call for "careful diplomacy". The visit comes in the wake of Biden's call on Friday for European powers to work together to curb Iran's "destabilising" activities, a day after committing to rejoin talks on Tehran's nuclear programme.

The deadline carries the threat of a suspension of some nuclear inspections, stoking international concern about a possible expulsion of UN inspectors. But Iran has stressed it would not cease working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or expel its inspectors.

Iran and the IAEA have yet to release details on the visit by the UN body's chief Grossi that extends till Sunday.

Grossi will, he wrote Friday on Twitter, "meet with senior Iranian officials to find a mutually agreeable solution, compatible with Iranian law, so that the @iaeaorg can continue essential verification activities in Iran".

"Looking forward to success – this is in everybody’s interest," he added.

Iran has notified the IAEA that it will suspend "voluntary transparency measures", notably inspection visits to non-nuclear sites, including military sites suspected of nuclear-related activity, if the United States has not lifted the sweeping sanctions former president Donald Trump reimposed in 2018.

The new measures are to go into effect on Tuesday.

Iran's atomic body spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said last week that talks with Grossi will focus on how to cease "voluntary actions beyond safeguard (measures) and how to continue cooperation".

Biden told the Munich Security Conference that the United States would work closely with allies in dealing with Iran after his predecessor Trump took an aggressive unilateral approach.

Tehran has repeatedly said it is ready to return to its nuclear commitments on condition that Washington does so first by lifting the sanctions reimposed by Trump that have dealt a heavy blow to Iran's economy.

Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear accord in 2018, while Iran started the next year to suspend its compliance with most key nuclear commitments in response.

In an opening gesture, the Biden administration has dropped a push for more sanctions crafted by Trump, and removed restrictions on Iranian diplomats accredited to the United Nations in New York.

(with inputs)

UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi is set to open talks Saturday in Iran on the eve of Tehran's deadline for US sanctions to be lifted. The dialogue is happening in the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's call for "careful diplomacy".

UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi is set to open talks Saturday in Iran on the eve of Tehran's deadline for US sanctions to be lifted. The dialogue is happening in the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's call for "careful diplomacy". The visit comes in the wake of Biden's call on Friday for European powers to work together to curb Iran's "destabilising" activities, a day after committing to rejoin talks on Tehran's nuclear programme. The deadline carries the threat of a suspension of some nuclear inspections, stoking international concern about a possible expulsion of UN inspectors. But Iran has stressed it would not cease working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or expel its inspectors. Iran and the IAEA have yet to release details on the visit by the UN body's chief Grossi that extends till Sunday. Grossi will, he wrote Friday on Twitter, "meet with senior Iranian officials to find a mutually agreeable solution, compatible with Iranian law, so that the @iaeaorg can continue essential verification activities in Iran". "Looking forward to success – this is in everybody’s interest," he added. Iran has notified the IAEA that it will suspend "voluntary transparency measures", notably inspection visits to non-nuclear sites, including military sites suspected of nuclear-related activity, if the United States has not lifted the sweeping sanctions former president Donald Trump reimposed in 2018. The new measures are to go into effect on Tuesday. Iran's atomic body spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said last week that talks with Grossi will focus on how to cease "voluntary actions beyond safeguard (measures) and how to continue cooperation". Biden told the Munich Security Conference that the United States would work closely with allies in dealing with Iran after his predecessor Trump took an aggressive unilateral approach. Tehran has repeatedly said it is ready to return to its nuclear commitments on condition that Washington does so first by lifting the sanctions reimposed by Trump that have dealt a heavy blow to Iran's economy. Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear accord in 2018, while Iran started the next year to suspend its compliance with most key nuclear commitments in response. In an opening gesture, the Biden administration has dropped a push for more sanctions crafted by Trump, and removed restrictions on Iranian diplomats accredited to the United Nations in New York. (with inputs)

Iran to host UN nuclear watchdog chief ahead of sanctions deadline

The head of UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that inspectors would "in a few days" visit the second of two sites in Iran where undeclared nuclear activity may have taken place in the early 2000s.

Iran's refusal to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the two sites had caused a diplomatic row for months.

This had further strained efforts to save the 2015 landmark Iran nuclear deal, which has hung by a thread since the US pulled out of it in 2018.

The accord promises Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear programme, but Tehran has stepped up nuclear activities since last year after the US reimposed sanctions.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said a visit to a second site, to which the agency had requested access, was imminent following a recent visit to the first.

"The second one will happen in a few days," he told reporters after opening the agency's 35-member board of governors' meeting.

He said analysing environmental samples collected at the first site would take "not less than a couple of months, two or three months maybe".

Tehran announced in late August that it would allow the IAEA access to the two sites, following a visit to Tehran by Grossi.

The denial had prompted the IAEA's board of governors to pass a resolution in June urging Tehran to comply with the agency's requests.

Under the 2015 accord, the IAEA monitors Iran's nuclear activities and regularly updates its members.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium now stands at more than ten times the limit set down in the 2015 deal.

Iran is also continuing to use more advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium than is permitted under the deal.

However, the level of enrichment has not gone above that which would be needed for use in a nuclear weapon.

The head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Sunday that 1,044 centrifuges were active at the Fordow uranium enrichment plant.

The suspension of all enrichment at the underground facility was one of the restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities under the Iran nuclear accord.

The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have called on Iran to return to its commitments, but Tehran insists the steps can be reversed once it realises the economic benefits from the deal.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiralled following a US push to extend an arms embargo on Iran that starts to progressively expire in October as well as reimposing UN sanctions on the Islamic republic.

The head of UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that inspectors would "in a few days" visit the second of two sites in Iran where undeclared nuclear activity may have taken place in the early 2000s.

The head of UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that inspectors would "in a few days" visit the second of two sites in Iran where undeclared nuclear activity may have taken place in the early 2000s. Iran's refusal to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the two sites had caused a diplomatic row for months. This had further strained efforts to save the 2015 landmark Iran nuclear deal, which has hung by a thread since the US pulled out of it in 2018. The accord promises Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear programme, but Tehran has stepped up nuclear activities since last year after the US reimposed sanctions. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said a visit to a second site, to which the agency had requested access, was imminent following a recent visit to the first. "The second one will happen in a few days," he told reporters after opening the agency's 35-member board of governors' meeting. He said analysing environmental samples collected at the first site would take "not less than a couple of months, two or three months maybe". Tehran announced in late August that it would allow the IAEA access to the two sites, following a visit to Tehran by Grossi. The denial had prompted the IAEA's board of governors to pass a resolution in June urging Tehran to comply with the agency's requests. Under the 2015 accord, the IAEA monitors Iran's nuclear activities and regularly updates its members. In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium now stands at more than ten times the limit set down in the 2015 deal. Iran is also continuing to use more advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium than is permitted under the deal. However, the level of enrichment has not gone above that which would be needed for use in a nuclear weapon. The head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Sunday that 1,044 centrifuges were active at the Fordow uranium enrichment plant. The suspension of all enrichment at the underground facility was one of the restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities under the Iran nuclear accord. The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have called on Iran to return to its commitments, but Tehran insists the steps can be reversed once it realises the economic benefits from the deal. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiralled following a US push to extend an arms embargo on Iran that starts to progressively expire in October as well as reimposing UN sanctions on the Islamic republic.

UN nuclear watchdog to visit second Iran site in 'a few days'

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime.

"The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement.

This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.

Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources. Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime. "The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement. This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan subscribes to IAEA's guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago.

Member states decided that nominations would be received until September 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said following a special meeting of its board of governors in Vienna.

"The Board expects to appoint a director-general in October 2019 and, in any case, envisages that the person appointed will assume office no later than 1 January 2020," it said in a statement.

The US had pushed for a timetable to ensure a new chief would be named by September, but other states were understood to want more time for the process.&nbsp;

The race to succeed Amano will be keenly watched given heightened international tensions over Iran's nuclear activities.

The UN agency is currently confronted with the unravelling of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which began when President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-confirms-kelly-craft-as-ambassador-to-united-nations-239845&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjerMTIr-HjAhUWinAKHZoMBUsQFjAIegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dKJ5nUXSJsB2FBU7DyArL">United States</a> out of the agreement in May 2018.

At another special meeting last week, the IAEA elected Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta as its acting director-general until a permanent successor is elected "in order to ensure the orderly and smooth functioning of the Agency".

Feruta has been tipped as one of the likely candidates for the post along with Rafael Grossi, Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA.

Feruta, 43, who worked as a journalist before entering Romania's diplomatic service in 1998, was one of Amano's closest collaborators and had been serving as the agency's chief coordinator.

Amano had led the agency since December 2009 and died on July 18 at the age of 72. No details were released about the cause of death, but he had been ill for several months.

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago.

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago. Member states decided that nominations would be received until September 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said following a special meeting of its board of governors in Vienna. "The Board expects to appoint a director-general in October 2019 and, in any case, envisages that the person appointed will assume office no later than 1 January 2020," it said in a statement. The US had pushed for a timetable to ensure a new chief would be named by September, but other states were understood to want more time for the process. The race to succeed Amano will be keenly watched given heightened international tensions over Iran's nuclear activities. The UN agency is currently confronted with the unravelling of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which began when President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the United States out of the agreement in May 2018. At another special meeting last week, the IAEA elected Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta as its acting director-general until a permanent successor is elected "in order to ensure the orderly and smooth functioning of the Agency". Feruta has been tipped as one of the likely candidates for the post along with Rafael Grossi, Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA. Feruta, 43, who worked as a journalist before entering Romania's diplomatic service in 1998, was one of Amano's closest collaborators and had been serving as the agency's chief coordinator. Amano had led the agency since December 2009 and died on July 18 at the age of 72. No details were released about the cause of death, but he had been ill for several months.

United Nations nuclear watchdog aims to name permanent chief by October

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