(Thumnail image from UN Photo)
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency announced this week Iran will allow UN inspectors to access their second known nuclear facility later this month. (Russia Today)
But is this a breakthrough in talks with the regime? Reactions from the major stakeholders have been mixed.
We’re following perspectives from France 24, The Jerusalem Post, The Daily Telegraph and FOX News.
We begin with a France24 analyst, who offers the view that observers should not overestimate the agreement’s scope.
“Iran has just granted access to the IAEA inspectors. This is not an inspection mission, which means inspectors will probably not be allowed to go everywhere they want, and they for sure will not be allowed to set up surveillance cameras as they probably wish they could have done.”
The Jerusalem Post agrees, saying that while the agreement is encouraging, the world needs to demand more.
“No matter how the US intelligence reassessment goes, or how Iran's export gambit plays out, or what happens when the inspectors visit Qom, at the end of the day - and in keeping with the mullahs' strategy - Iran will have bought time.”
The BBC talks to a former Bush administration official. He applauds President Obama for organizing the talks and putting the focus back on Iran.
“I think he’s been very sophisticated in strategy, but we're just going to have to see if the Iranians now can make these decisive moves that are necessary to relieve these concerns of the international community.”
Daily Telegraph is more pessimistic. They say far from feeling pressured by the inspectors. In fact, they say Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should be celebrating.
“Rather than facing the wrath of a United Nations security council that claims it is determined to call a halt to Iran's illicit nuclear programme, [Ahmadinejad] has achieved what seemed impossible a week ago – he has bought Iran even more time, without making any serious nuclear concessions.”
FOX News stresses the grave need to resolve the situation, warning that an extended delay will inevitably provoke action from Israel.
“Iran is on the verge. Israel has to look at that and say, ‘If nobody can stop Iran, we have to attack.’ And if they attack, like you said, it does not stop the program – it buys them a few years. But if you’re Israel, you’re thinking that once Iran gets nuclear weapons they’re finished.”
Does Iran’s willingness to allow UN inspectors access show a new attitude towards the agency? Or is the country just trying to delay larger sanctions?
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