Iran: Nuke deal off unless UN drops atomic weapons probe

[Mosby]

TEHRAN — Iran said Sunday there would be no final implementation of a nuclear deal with world powers unless a probe into allegations of past weapons research is closed.

The declaration, by a top security official, comes after the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said a report into the possible military dimensions of Iran’s activities would not be “black and white.”

Iran has always denied seeking to develop an atomic weapons capability, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful energy production and medical purposes only.

Referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the July 14 agreement’s official name, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said anything short of the watchdog’s probe being closed was unacceptable to Iran.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-nuke-deal-off-if-un-doesnt-drop-atomic-weapons-probe/

[Mosby]

1. UN watchdog closes probe into Iran nukes, drawing Israeli ire

VIENNA, Austria — The UN atomic watchdog’s board Tuesday closed a long-running probe into Iran’s past efforts to develop nuclear weapons, removing an important obstacle to implementing July’s landmark deal with big powers, diplomats said.

A resolution approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation board of governors said the investigation was “implemented in accordance with the agreed schedule” and that this “closes the board’s consideration of the matter.”

Iran had warned that unless this happened, it would not implement key parts of July’s accord with six major powers to scale down its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the UN atomic watchdog’s board to end a long-running probe into Tehran’s past efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-watchdog-closes-probe-into-iranian-nukes-paving-way-for-deal/

[CaliDreaming]

2. Necessary Evil

Unfortunately, this is probably a necessary evil.