On April 1 in Washington, I met with the E3/EU+3 group of countries at the invitation of President Barack Obama of the United States of America.
I informed President Obama, as well as President Xi Jinping of China, President Francois Hollande of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, President Donald Tusk of the European Council, Secretary of State John Kerry of the United States, Federal Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen of Germany, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, and Ambassador Sergey Kislyak of Russia about the IAEA’s verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
I noted that Iran is now subject to the strongest nuclear verification regime in the world. It is implementing not just its safeguards agreement with the Agency, but also its Additional Protocol. Transparency measures which go beyond Iran’s obligations under its formal agreements with the IAEA have also been agreed.
The IAEA has considerable experience and expertise in nuclear verification. We can effectively fulfil our responsibilities as the eyes and ears of the world in Iran and give the international community the assurances it seeks.
I stressed that this is only the beginning of a process that will take many years. I asked the E3/EU+3 for their continued support in ensuring that the necessary funding is made available for the IAEA’s JCPOA-related activities.
The JCPOA is a clear gain for nuclear verification in Iran. Considerable effort was required in order to reach this agreement. A similar and sustained effort will be required to implement it. The IAEA will continue to do its part in a factual and impartial manner.