Tehran, Aug 27 (V7N)- Iran will not allow representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect nuclear facilities damaged in recent US attacks until new inspection procedures are established and the security of the sites is ensured, Iranian officials have said.
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, made the remarks in a statement released on Wednesday (August 26).
Eslami said the damaged facilities are not yet considered secure and that inspections cannot take place until a specific protocol governing access to sites damaged in military attacks is developed. He also said Iran remains in a wartime situation.
The Iranian nuclear chief questioned the impartiality of the IAEA and accused the organization of failing to condemn the attacks. He further alleged that the United States and Israel are pressuring the agency to gain access to the damaged facilities.
According to reports, Iran has continued to permit monitoring at some nuclear facilities that were not damaged, while restricting access to sites affected by the attacks.
The development comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog over inspections and verification of Iran's nuclear activities.
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