IAEA head urges Iran to reengage as western powers seek UN referral

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International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi on Monday says giving the UN nuclear agency access to key facilities in Iran will have “positive repercussions” for the Islamic republic, as a draft resolution seen by AFP proposes referring Tehran to the UN Security Council.

“The best, shortest way for a positive outcome is for Iran to engage with us,” Grossi tells a press conference after opening the quarterly meeting of the IAEA board of governors.

A resolution drafted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, expected to be submitted and voted on this week, seeks to refer Iran to the UN Security Council for failing to comply with its nuclear reporting obligations.

The draft, seen by AFP, asks Grossi to “submit this resolution to all members of the agency and to the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations”.

Asked whether such a referral was the right course of action, Grossi replies, “My job with Iran continues, irrespective of the resolution.

“If Iran engages with us in a serious dialogue, if we can start getting access … I can guarantee to you that this will have very, very positive repercussions,” he adds.

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