International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi confirmed Sunday that despite Washington’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal, it continues to contribute to the deal by providing financial support to international inspections to verify Iranian activities.
Speaking to dpa in Vienna ahead of his visit to Berlin, where he is set to meet Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and take part in the World Health Summit conference on Monday and Tuesday, Grossi said, “Washington provides us with important contributions that allow us to continue our work,” adding that without these addition funds – from Washington and elsewhere – the IAEA would not be able to resume its operations.
This is the first time Grossi uncovers the financial support offered by the US to inspection operations after Washington’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal two years ago.
Grossi's statement would put pressure on Iran and parties of the Nuclear Deal who earlier refused to recognize Washington’s right to activate the Deal’s mechanisms on the grounds after its withdrawal from the agreement in May 2018.
Last August, the US announced a move known as a “snapback”, which aims to re-establish all sanctions against Iran a month later.
It came as US President Donald Trump’s administration was unable to extend a UN Security Council embargo on conventional weapons being sent to Tehran.
Meanwhile, Grossi expressed the IAEA’s determination to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.
“The sooner we clarify all aspects that the IAEA will review, the better it will be for everyone, starting with Iran,” he said.
Grossi said IAEA inspectors have recently visited two sites in Iran where past nuclear activities may have taken place, adding that results of those visits would be announced in the coming two to four months.
