The Obama administration on Tuesday called on member countries of the International Atomic Energy Agency to contribute more money to that agency so it can fully implement the Iran nuclear deal.
The IAEA has become a focal point for opponents of the deal, after it became clear that it reached an understanding on how it will inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then said that understanding would remain private. The Associated Press then reported that under the arrangement, Iranian officials would be able to do some of the inspections at the Parchin military site on their own, further angering opponents of the deal.
U.S. government officials have not dismissed that claim, but the IAEA itself has rejected those reports, and some have suggested the AP was duped into writing about a fake agreement.
In the context of that swirling controversy, a top U.S. official on Tuesday said the best way to guarantee the deal is implemented is to ensure adequate funding for the IAEA.
“It is clear that budget and resources will be a central consideration,” said Henry Ensher, the U.S. ambassador to the U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna. He was speaking at a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, and said more funds will be needed if it is to keep up its inspection regime on Iran.
“We greatly appreciate the information shared thus far by the IAEA on its projected resource needs for implementation, and we look forward to further consultation and details as planning goes forward,” he said. “As it carries out these tasks, the United States believes that IAEA members should provide resources sufficient to ensure that the agency can also carry out its other important tasks in safeguards, security, safety and technical cooperation.”
He also said it would be “impractical” for the IAEA to carry out its duties under the Iran deal using its existing budget. While he didn’t specify how much more money would be needed, he called on the IAEA to estimate its costs in the 2016 budget plan, and said the U.S. would work with other countries to “see that those extra-budgetary needs are met.”
When asked about the need to fund the agency, State Department spokesman John Kirby agreed that it’s an issue the U.S. needs to worry about.
“This is, obviously, critically important work, this verification regimen that the IAEA is responsible for under this deal, and we want to make sure that they have the resources they need to get it done,” he told reporters. “So yes, it’s obviously a concern.”
