IAEA says needs extra funding to monitor Iran deal

ILNA: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it requires one million euros in additional funding to afford the expenses of overseeing the Iran-P5+1 interim nuclear deal during a four-month extension.

In a note to the IAEA member states on Thursday, the agency said Iran and the six states – Russia, China, France, Britain, the US and Germany -- had asked the IAEA to continue its “nuclear-related monitoring and verification” of Tehran’s nuclear activities until November 24, Reuters reported.

“Continuation of the... activities will require additional financial resources for the agency,” said the note, adding, “Assuming that all contributing Member States agree to the continued use of their unspent contributions, an additional amount of 1 million euros would be required.”

About a week ago, Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany agreed on the extension of their discussions until November 24 in an effort to achieve a lasting deal on Tehran’s civilian nuclear work.

Both sides say they have reached common ground on many key issues after six rounds of marathon talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna this year, but some serious gaps remain to be bridged.

The two sides inked a landmark interim deal in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23, 2013. The agreement took effect on January 20 and expired six months later on July 20.

Under the interim deal, Iran scaled back its nuclear energy program and agreed to the Western demand for more inspections of its nuclear activities. In return the country was provided with partial sanctions relief.

The IAEA has confirmed in its monthly reports over the past six months that Tehran has remained committed to the terms of its interim nuclear accord with the six countries, dubbed the Geneva Joint Plan of Action.
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