Iran removing 27 U.N. cameras monitoring nuclear activity

• IAEA: Iran has begun removing 27 cameras monitoring its nuclear activity.
• The move could prevent international inspectors from gaining a clear picture of Tehran’s work.
• The action could deal a potentially “fatal blow” to efforts to revive a 2015 nuclear deal.

The move came after Iran was chastised by countries on the board of the atomic watchdog IAEA; for its response to a United Nations investigation into nuclear material discovered at undeclared locations. Iran has begun deleting 27 cameras; that monitor its nuclear operations according to the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency; a move that might hinder international inspectors from getting a good view of Tehran’s uranium enrichment work.

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According to Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); the measure might give a “fatal blow” to efforts to resurrect a 2015 nuclear deal; aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Of course, this creates a severe obstacle to our capacity to continue operating there,” Grossi said; adding that Iran had given the IAEA a “succinct” statement outlining its ambitions.

According to Grossi, Iran appeared to be planning to remove the majority of the cameras and other monitoring equipment; placed as part of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers. He claims that without cameras in place, Iran may transfer nuclear enrichment centrifuges to undisclosed locations.

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