Iran dismisses US call for UN nuclear watchdog to inspect more sites

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The President of Iran refused a US demand to inspect his country’s military and nonmilitary sites for compliance with the nuclear deal that Iran signed with the 5+1 world powers in 2015.

The US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested Iran’s military and nonmilitary sites be inspected to ensure Tehran was loyal to the deal.

However, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would not bow to American pressure.

“It is regulations that determine our relations with the IAEA, not US pressure,” Rouhani said in an interview by Iran’s state-run TV.

“I don’t think that the IAEA does anything under US pressure, but if, hypothetically, this happens, we will not accept anything by force,” he added.

Washington is concerned about Tehran’s ballistic missile program and alleged state sponsorship of terrorism, none of which are covered in the official deal.

For its part, Iran complains the US has imposed new sanctions, undermining the deal.

“We will not be the first to violate the agreement, but at the same time, we will not stand still if the other side does,” Rouhani said.

The Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was an international agreement reached after 20 months of negotiations.

China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the US, the European Union, and Iran reached a deal in July 2015 which was implemented in January 2016.

President Trump, who harshly criticized the agreement during his campaign, has limited his war on Iran to rhetoric.

The Iranian population also say the lifting of sanctions has not significantly improved their economic situation.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany