Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council released the following statement after receiving reports that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency reached an agreement to resume nuclear inspections:
“The new Iran – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) understanding on future inspections of Iran’s nuclear program is a significant development that can reduce risks of both Iranian nuclear proliferation and a renewed war between Iran, Israel and the United States. While details are still emerging regarding this arrangement, it is clear that flexibility and engagement from both Iran and the IAEA were needed in order to arrive at a workable compromise.
“Given the joint Israeli and American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, ignoring the Iranian perspective entirely would have been a dead end for the IAEA that effectively continued the agency’s lack of access to Iranian facilities. Those who cheered the bombing of Iran, which triggered the departure of IAEA inspectors from the country, will undoubtedly cry foul on this understanding and claim that Iran’s compromises are insufficient. Many of these critics are fully dedicated to obstructing diplomatic compromise and paving the path to another, much bloodier war.
“What is needed now is for all actors to seize on this diplomatic opening. Iran and the IAEA must uphold their commitments and pave the path toward resuming inspector access. The E3, meanwhile, should delay the snapback of United Nations Security Council Resolutions to provide additional space for implementation and negotiations. For the U.S., it should both adopt a realistic position toward Iran’s nuclear program and put diplomacy rather than war on the front burner by doing what’s necessary to get back to the negotiating table with Iran to forge a diplomatic agreement.”
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