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From the Liveblog of
Friday, June 26, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Friday, June 26, 2026
IAEA chief says ‘very strong’ verification system needed for Iran nuclear program
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi responds to a reporter's question during a news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
TOKYO, Japan — A “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran following the Middle East conflict to ensure that the country does not develop nuclear weapons, the UN atomic watchdog chief says.
“I think the objective of this (recent US-Iran) agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention,” Rafael Grossi tells reporters in Japan.
“But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place… as soon as is practicable,” Grossi says.
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