IAEA chief raises "serious concern" over Iran's denial of access to locations

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday expressed "serious concern" over Iran's lacking engagement with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog.

"I note with serious concern that, for over four months, Iran has denied us access to two locations and that, for almost a year, it has not engaged in substantive discussions to clarify our questions related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities," Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the IAEA, told a board of governors meeting held online.

He said that this was adversely affecting IAEA's ability to provide credible assurance of the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities at these locations in Iran.

The director general called on the Islamic republic to cooperate "immediately and fully" with the IAEA, including by providing "prompt access to" the locations specified by the agency.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday urged the IAEA to avoid unconstructive decisions regarding Iran's nuclear program.