IAEA Chief Says Iran's Nuclear Surveillance No Longer Intact: FT

Speaking to the FT, DG at f the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi stated that the measures in place to monitor Iran's nuclear programme are no longer intact, and that he has not had any contact with the new Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The inability of Iran and the signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA, the Iran nuclear deal) to resume talks in Vienna since President Ebrahim Raisi took office in August have led to concerns in the West that Iran is willing to fully step away from the deal in an effort to develop its nuclear programme further.

• FT highlights that there could be renewed impetus next month, when the IAEA board of governors meets. The lack of Iranian cooperation could lead to a resolution of censure against Tehran, which the FT highlights as an embarrassing prospect for the Iranian gov't.
• However Tehran - under its new hardline administration - has so far not re-engaged in the Vienna talks despite existing sanctions and pressure from the west. As such, there is no guarantee that a resolution of censure would prove impactful enough to engender a change in stance that could see diplomatic and economic relations improve.