IAEA Says Gains ’Better Understanding’ of Iran Nuclear Program

Local Editor

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog Yukiyo Amano praised Iran on Monday for showing increased openness in its engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] in recent months, helping it "gain a better understanding" of Tehran's disputed nuclear program.

Amano said Iran's engagement with the UN agency under a step-by-step cooperation and transparency pact reached in November - which includes greater access and more information - had helped the IAEA "gain a better understanding" of the program.

"I welcome the fact that the practical measures agreed with Iran ... have been implemented by Iran as planned. Iran has engaged with the Agency substantively," he told a meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors.

Iran's further agreement in May to implement five new practical measures "is a further welcome step forward," he added.

Amano's statement comes as Iran and the P5+1 countries- the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany- are aiming to negotiate a final accord by a July 20 deadline to settle the West's dispute with Iran over the country's nuclear energy program.

A next round of talks, held separately from Iran's meetings with the IAEA, was planned for June 16-20 in Vienna.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team