(20 Nov 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Vienna – 20 November 2024
1. Wide of Grossi arriving for news conference
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general:
“I think what I said is exactly what happened. I made a request for Iran to stop increasing the stockpile of 60% and this was accepted by Iran, which took initial steps as is indicated in my report which could be verified on Saturday by our inspectors. So, of course, there are important discussions now at the board. We will see what happens. But this is what we agreed, and I hope this will hold.”
3. Wide of news conference
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general:
“For the first time since the distancing of Iran from its past obligations, they are taking a different direction. One can say it’s not enough or whatever, but this is the first time that they are saying: ‘ok, we stop.’ So, I think this merits serious consideration.”
5. Wide of Grossi and reporters
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general:
(Reporter asking question: “You just came back from Florida to receive an award there. Congratulations on the award. May I ask you – did you hold any other meetings there with maybe U.S. officials, maybe from the incoming U.S. administration? Is that something you could share with us?”)
Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general:
“No.”
7. Wide of Grossi leaving news conference
STORYLINE:
United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterated on Wednesday that Iran has accepted a request to stop increasing its 60% uranium stock, which is enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
This came after a visit to Tehran by Grossi and the release of a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency which said that as of Oct. 26, Iran has 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last report in August.
Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.
Although cautious, Grossi was optimistic about the prospect, emphasizing that Iran may be taking "a different direction," and adding that it "merits serious consideration."
The IAEA also estimated in its quarterly report that as of Oct. 26, Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium stands at 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds), an increase of 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds) since August.
Under the IAEA’s definition, around 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity is the amount at which creating one atomic weapon is theoretically possible — if the material is enriched further, to 90%.
The reports came at a critical time as Israel and Iran have traded missile attacks in recent months after more than a year of war in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas, a group supported by Iran.
Adding to the complexity, Donald Trump’s reelection raises questions about whether and how the incoming administration and Iran may engage.
When asked about possible meetings with the President-elect, Grossi didn’t comment.
Trump’s first term in office was marked by a particularly troubled period, when he pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” against Tehran.
He unilaterally withdrew America from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, leading to sanctions hobbling the economy and ordered the killing of the country’s top general.
AP video by Philipp Jenne
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