WSJ: Iran Producing Centrifuges At Unmonitored Plant, Risk To JCPoA

Laurence Norman at the WSJ tweets on Iran's nuclear programme: "Sources say Iran started producing centrifuge parts at Karaj assembly plant, where no cameras or IAEA access for months, in late August. [...]It's first evidence of unmonitored Iranian nuclear-relevant equipment/material. [...] IAEA has warned absence of Karaj cameras is "seriously compromising" agency's ability to ensure continuous knowledge about Iran's nuclear program. Last week, [IAEA Dir-Gen Grossi] called the issue "very problematic." [...] US and other western officials have warned that the complexities of restoring the JCPOA -- already looking very difficult under the Raisi government -- become still greater without clear knowledge of Iran's nuclear equipment/material."

• There remains no clear path towards the resumption of JCPoA talks in Vienna involving nuclear deal signatories and US, raising risk of further deterioration in relations between Iran and the West.