IRAN will grant UN inspectors "managed access" to a uranium mine and a heavy water plant within three months as part of a deal aimed at improving transparency in the Islamic state's disputed nuclear programme.
It was signed by UN nuclear agency chief Yukiya Amano in Tehran yesterday after Iran and six world powers failed in broader diplomatic talks in Geneva at the weekend to clinch an agreement to help allay Western fears that Iran may be seeking a nuclear weapons capability.
Tehran denies the claims.
Under the accord with the IAEA, Iran will also provide information about planned new research reactors and sites for future nuclear power plants, as well as clarify earlier statements about additional uranium enrichment facilities.
The IAEA and Iran have agreed "to strengthen their cooperation and dialogue aimed at ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme," a joint statement said.
The agreement listed six first steps to be implemented by Iran over the next three months, including access to the Gchine uranium mine and the Arak heavy water production plant, which the IAEA has repeatedly asked for.
Iran would also provide information on future research reactors; information with regard to the identification of 16 sites designated for nuclear power plants; and clarify past announcements on laser enrichment technology.
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