The IAEA is sending a team to Iran next week to meet with Iranian officials to try to sort out the detection of natural uranium particles during a previous visit. The acting IAEA head Cornel Feruta says there has been no discussion of the matter yet.
The IAEA has not made a lot of the details public, though Israel has speculated this was vindication of a “secret site” that Netanyahu revealed to them. This is unlikely, however, as the site in question was reported destroyed well before the IAEA visit.
Either way, the IAEA detected natural particles at an undisclosed site, saying it was believed to be mined uranium that had not been enriched in any way. It is not immediately clear this would be a violation even if true, as the IAEA does not restrict uranium mining.
Feruta, however, said it was essential to solve the matter promptly, and that Iran needed to address the issue during the upcoming visit. Iran has not publicly commented on the vague allegations, though the US termed them “deeply concerning.” Since the US is no longer a party to the Iran nuclear deal, however, their concern has no real weight to it.
Acting head. Found some particles. Sure. Why not. Now that Europe has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they cannot honor Iran agreement — it is time to say it is Iran’s fault. IAEA and OPCW are not what they used to be.
Ratcheting up. Meaning Chinese Phase I not doing well. Economic indicators not doing well. There is not one thing doing well. Even so, it is hard to imagine how would a conflict benefit anyone in the region — or benefit US.
Acting head soon becomes non-acting lame duck…!