“Very thorough” nuclear verification needed in Iran
A “very thorough” verification system is necessary in Iran after the recent conflict to ensure that the country does not develop nuclear weapons, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday June 26.
“I think the goal of this (recent U.S.-Iran) deal is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The Iranian government has stated very clearly that this is not its intention,” Rafael Grossi said at a press conference in Japan. “But of course, intentions are not enough. We need to put in place a very thorough verification system (…) as soon as possible,” added Rafael Grossi.
Discussions between Lebanon and Israel will continue
The fifth session of talks between Israel and Lebanon under American mediation supposed to end on Thursday will finally continue on Friday in Washington, the American State Department announced.
“Discussions between Israel and Lebanon are still ongoing as we continue to facilitate them. Both sides will resume tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. to continue their work toward an agreement,” the State Department said.
Hezbollah still accuses Israel of violating the truce
Pro-Iranian Hezbollah once again accused Israel of “blatant violation” of the ceasefire after an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon left three dead according to the authorities.
The group denounced in a statement a “direct attack” against “civilians”, while Israel said earlier that it had killed fighters from its ranks. Hezbollah “assures for the third time” that this is a “flagrant violation” by Israel “of the ceasefire to which it has been committed until now” and says it is “monitoring these violations closely”.
