BICOM

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday verified that Iran has complied with the first step of the interim deal agreed with the P5+1 forum (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) by halting development of 20 per cent enriched uranium.

In the presence of IAEA inspectors, Iranian scientists cut the links supplying centrifuges at the Natanz and Fordow plants, preventing the production of highly enriched uranium, considered a small step from weapons grade material. Iranian officials said IAEA inspectors confirmed no fuel had been transferred to the Arak heavy water plant, where it is feared plutonium could be produced, which can be utilised to make nuclear warheads. Hours later, in compliance with the interim deal agreed in Geneva in November, the P5+1 constituent countries eased sanctions on Iranian trade in petrochemicals and precious metals and restrictions on insurance for oil shipments.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano confirmed “the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action has started today. This is an important development.” Meanwhile, the White House called yesterday’s developments “an important step forward” but spokesperson Jay Carney emphasised, “we will continue our aggressive enforcement of the sanctions measures” which remain in place. Foreign Secretary William Hague struck a similar tone, calling the confirmation “an important milestone” but added, “It’s important that other sanctions are maintained and the pressure is maintained for a comprehensive and final settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday urged the international community to stop “Iran’s nuclear train” in its entirety. He told the Knesset that “The Geneva agreement cancelled the 20 per cent stop but left the train on the track… so that one day, Iran will be able to rush forward to the final stop.” He added, “In a permanent agreement, the international community must get the Iranian nuclear train off the track” and also called on the international community to ensure Iran “halt its calls for the destruction of Israel and stop funding terror organisations.”