IAEA reports progress in Iran nuclear inspections - chief

VIENNA, Nov 19 (KUNA) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has made progress in inspection work across nuclear sites not affected by US air strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities in June, its chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.
"Our inspectors are back in Iran and have carried out inspections at facilities unaffected by June's attacks," the UN nuclear watchdog's chief told a press conference after a meeting of the IAEA's board of governors, urging Tehran for further engagement to allow inspectors unimpeded access.
On the UN nuclear watchdog's nuclear inspection programs, he said such a measure comes in coordination with local authorities despite the IAEA's "legal mandate" to pursue these works, while the host nation's level of cooperation often dictates the scope of access given to IAEA inspectors, he added.
Discussing inspection work in Iran, he said that contact with the Islamic Republic continues to proceed regularly, emphasizing that the UN's nuclear watchdog is committed to fill any gaps that could potentially hinder its inspection work in Iran. (end) amq.nam