An IAEA Deal Buys Iran More Time to Pursue Sanctions Relief

Iran’s compromise with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) buys Tehran three more months to broach negotiations with the United States in the hopes of securing sanctions relief. During IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Iran, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said it would stop the voluntary implementation of its so-called “Additional Protocol” on Feb. 23, a confidential agreement that allows U.N. inspectors to monitor Tehran’s nuclear program and visit its facilities, particularly with short notice. But the two sides also reached a compromise on verification and monitoring that will maintain limited IAEA access to nuclear sites....