International monitor requests Iran to explain hidden passageways, remains optimistic regarding ongoing negotiations
Rewritten Article:
The Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based think tank, revealed satellite images on a hump day that allegedly depicted a fresh, secret tunnel lurking beside an older one near the Natanz site, as well as a new perimeter of security.
"I can't keep quiet about this, and I won't," Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) chief, shared with reporters during a visit to Washington.
Grossi popped by Tehran the week prior, stating that all countries must inform the IAEA about their plans for facilities surrounding nuclear sites, but Iran refuses to follow suit and has a unique worldview about this matter. They don't believe they need to update the agency before making changes.
"They're telling us, 'Mind your own business,'" Grossi shared.
Grossi mentioned it "can't be ruled out" that the tunnels might be used to stash hidden materials, but he tried to steer clear of speculating about Iran's intentions.
However, Grossi also shared that Iranian and IAEA experts would meet following his visit, including discussions about installing cameras back on nuclear sites.
"We're sending a technical team to keep our discussions going," he mentioned.
These experts are set to meet in Tehran in a few days.
Iran and the United States have had two rounds of talks since President Donald Trump pushed for a diplomatic resolution to avoid conflict. Another round of technical discussions is planned for the coming weekend.
"I have a feeling that things will work out smoothly and that any agreement will be verified by the IAEA," Grossi shared.
He mentioned this was roughly the sense he was getting when talking to world leaders, including specifically Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who expressed optimism about a U.S.-Iran deal.
Trump ripped up a previous nuclear agreement negotiated under Barack Obama in 2018 and slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran. But Trump has expressed hopes for a new agreement during his second term, which would tackle the issue diplomatically and discourage Israel from a military strike on Iran.
When asked about a military option, Grossi kindly reminded listeners that attacks on nuclear facilities could result in serious aftermath.
The Obama deal, known as the JCPOA, allowed Iran to maintain uranium enrichment at a level far below what's required for nuclear weapons for civilian purposes. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remained resolute in an interview that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium for any reason.
"If Iran wants a civil nuclear program, they can have one just like many other countries, but they would need to import enriched materials instead," Rubio shared with the Honestly podcast.
Rubio also stressed that the Trump team wouldn't repeat the Obama deal, which granted Iran immediate and full sanctions relief in exchange for enrichment capabilities that could potentially be weaponized in the future.
Obama administration officials argue that the JCPOA effectively restrained Iran's program until Trump withdrew, and it's unrealistic to expect Iran to relinquish its entire program.
The Trump administration has maintained sanctions even during the diplomacy. On Tuesday, the Treasury Department imposed more sanctions on an Iranian shipping network and its perceived owner.
In response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei shared that this move was in "clear contradiction" with the United States' demands for dialogue and negotiations and indicated their lack of seriousness in this matter.
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- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerns about the secret tunnels near the Natanz site in Israel were emphasized by its chief, Rafael Grossi, during a visit to Washington.
- Grossi also shared that Iran, in terms of international diplomacy, has a unique perspective on sharing information with the IAEA about changes to facilities surrounding nuclear sites.
- The United States and Iran have engaged in diplomatic talks aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict, with another round of technical discussions planned for the weekend.
- The Institute for Science and International Security, an American think tank, pointed out a new, secret tunnel near the Natanz site, potentially used to store hidden materials.
- United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium for any purpose, suggesting that they should import enriched materials instead for a civil nuclear program.
- The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on an Iranian shipping network and its owner on Tuesday, to which Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded by accusing the U.S. of a lack of seriousness in negotiations.
- The general expectation among political and international figures, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is that the diplomatic resolution of the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Iran and the United States will be verified by the IAEA and will address policy-and-legislation related to uranium enrichment.
