Chair,

The United States thanks the Director General for his September 3 report on verification and monitoring in Iran in light of UN Security Council resolution 2231. We also commend the Director General and his team for their efforts to implement the Agency’s critical verification responsibilities in Iran.

The Director General’s report shows – clearly and unequivocally – that Iran is not implementing its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and is not allowing the IAEA to conduct verification and monitoring activities. As the Director General’s report states, Iran stopped implementing its nuclear commitments altogether back in 2021, including the provisional application of the Additional Protocol. Similarly, Iran is no longer allowing the IAEA to conduct any verification and monitoring activities related to the JCPOA, and the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge with respect to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

This situation is unacceptable and deeply concerning. Iran must cooperate fully with the IAEA to enable the full resumption of Agency inspections. We note the Director General’s announcement this morning that the IAEA and Iran have reached an agreement on the resumption of IAEA safeguards and verification activities in Iran. We want to add our voice to those thanking Egypt for its role in facilitating this meeting. We wish to underscore that immediate and concrete action by Iran is both essential and urgent.

The United States is prepared to negotiate in good faith to reach a deal that allows us to say with confidence what President Trump has said time and again: Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. To this end, Iran can choose to build confidence in its stated intentions and demonstrate it is open to genuine diplomacy, including by providing full and immediate cooperation with the IAEA.

As we look ahead, it is essential the Agency keep the Board and the Security Council informed by continuing to report in detail on the status of Iran’s nuclear program and activities. With these comments, the United States takes note of the Director General’s report in document GOV/2025/25 and requests it be made public.

Chair,

Let me now respond to the Russian Ambassador’s statement this morning here in the Board room. Russia’s proposal is not serious and is only meant to distract the Board from what should be its main focus: underscoring the importance of Iran fully cooperating with the IAEA and fully implementing its safeguards agreement.

Discussions about snapback and other issues associated with Iran’s nuclear program are taking place at higher levels in our governments, including at the Foreign Minister level and in New York at the UN Security Council. Opening a separate channel at this point would only serve to muddy the waters.

The United States has repeatedly stated our interest in pursuing diplomacy with Iran regarding its nuclear programs. It is Iran that is refusing to engage with us. If Russia wants to be helpful, it should encourage Tehran to engage us directly – not attempt to act as an unnecessary intermediary.

Thank you, Chair.