Iran has for the first time in six years addressed concerns about the so-called “possible military dimensions” of its nuclear programme, a new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report showed Friday.
Tehran handed over information related to detonators that can be used for several purposes but also for a nuclear weapon under a key November interim nuclear deal, the quarterly report, seen by AFP, showed.
In technical meetings with the United Nations (UN) atomic watchdog in late April and earlier this week in Iran, Tehran provided “information and explanations, including showing documents, to substantiate its stated need and application of EBW (Explosive Bridge Wire detonators),” the report by IAEA director-general Yukiya Amano for member states said.
“Iran showed information to the agency that simultaneous firing of EBW was tested for a civilian application,” it went on.
“This is the first time that Iran has engaged in a technical exchange with the agency on this or any other of the outstanding issues related to possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme since 2008.”
The EBW issue was part of seven “practical measures” that Iran agreed with world powers under a November interim deal and due to be fulfilled by May 15.
All have been implemented, the IAEA said in its report, indicating that Iran was sticking to its commitments.
Tehran agreed in November with the so-called P5+1 powers – the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany – to roll back its nuclear programme to make it virtually impossible to make an atomic bomb in exchange for some relief from biting international sanctions.
The “possible military dimensions” of its nuclear programme have been of concern to the international community for years.