E3 statement on IAEA verification and monitoring in Iran, September 2021

France, Germany and the United Kingdom would like to thank Director General Grossi for his report of Sunday 26 September, updating Board members on the IAEA’s ability to conduct verification and monitoring activities of Iran’s nuclear-related commitments.

We are profoundly concerned that Iran has not fully implemented the agreement it reached with DG Grossi on 12 September, and that the DG has been forced to issue a report on non-cooperation after only two weeks. If Iran does not allow the IAEA to replace cameras at the Karaj centrifuge component manufacturing workshop, the IAEA will lose the ability to re-establish continuity of knowledge in the future. We urge Iran to immediately provide the IAEA access to the Karaj facility and allow for the replacement of cameras there.

The 12 September agreement also underlined that Iran had agreed to further high level discussions with the IAEA with a view to addressing other outstanding issues relating to Iran’s legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. We call on Iran to immediately establish such high level contacts and fully cooperate with the investigation, with a view to making tangible and rapid progress.

These issues impact the IAEA’s ability to fulfil its mandate and carry out the role assigned under UNSCR 2231. We will consult with partners over the coming days on next steps and consider appropriate action.