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Mr Chairperson,

Regarding the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, you have before you my latest report on Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).

You will note that Iran’s stockpiles of uranium enriched up to 5%, enriched up to 20% and enriched up to 60% – high enriched uranium – have all increased since we met in September with the increase of the 60% continuing at the same rate as I reported at the time of the last Board.  

You also have before you my report on the NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran. I regret that no further progress has been made in implementing the Joint Statement signed in Tehran on 4 March.

Iran also still needs to provide the Agency with technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at Varamin and Turquzabad and inform the Agency of the current location(s) of the nuclear material and/or of contaminated equipment. It also still needs to resolve the discrepancy in the nuclear material balance evaluation relating to the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) and to implement modified Code 3.1 which is a legal obligation for Iran.

These outstanding safeguards issues stem from Iran’s obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

In addition, I am seriously concerned that the implementation of the Joint Statement of 4 March 2023 has come to a standstill. A way forward must include an honest and cooperative implementation of the commitments we agreed.

I continue to strongly condemn Iran’s sudden withdrawal of the designations of several experienced inspectors. Iran’s stance is unprecedented and contrary to the cooperation that is required and expected in order to facilitate the effective implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and in contradiction of the spirit of cooperation agreed in the Joint Statement of March 2023. I note Vice-President Eslami’s reply to a letter from me saying he is exploring possibilities to address the request mentioned in my letter, and I express the hope that this matter will be resolved promptly.

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