Iran Denounces Impending Sanctions as inspectors Continue Work
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s president has condemned anticipated UN sanctions as “unfair, unjust and illegal,” as international atomic energy inspectors continue monitoring the nation’s nuclear facilities. The rebuke comes amid heightened tensions and a recent agreement aimed at reviving cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Of all nations without nuclear weapons programs, Iran is the only one currently enriching uranium up to 60 per cent - a level nearing weapons-grade.
Earlier this month,Iran and the IAEA signed an agreement,brokered by Egypt,to restart collaborative efforts,including inspections of Iranian nuclear sites. However, iran has warned it will terminate the agreement and cease all cooperation with the IAEA should UN sanctions be reimposed.
the threat follows a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, during which both Israeli and American forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, raising questions about the status of Tehran’s uranium stockpile.
Despite these concerns, a diplomat close to the IAEA confirmed on Friday that inspectors remain in Iran, currently inspecting a second undamaged site, and will not depart before the expected implementation of sanctions this weekend.
Inspectors previously observed a fuel replacement at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on August 27 and 28. The Bushehr reactor, located 1,200 km south of Tehran, began operating in 2011.
European nations have stated that this action alone is insufficient to prevent the sanctions from taking effect on Saturday.
AP
