In Response to Ayotte, Expert Confirms Iran Could Delay Inspectors For 'Indefinite Duration'

Press Release

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) heard testimony from multiple policy experts regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, and its impacts on the military balance in the Middle East. Ayotte expressed concerns about the ability of Iran to prevent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors from gaining timely physical access to undeclared sites.

In response to a question from Ayotte, Michael Singh, the Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, clarified that the JCPOA does not limit Iran's ability to delay access to undeclared nuclear facilities to 24 days as many administration officials have insisted. The ability to delay is unlimited because, as Mr. Singh explained, "...there is first this back and forth of indefinite duration between Iran and the IAEA to "clarify' the questions the IAEA may have about a site, and only after that is complete can the IAEA make its formal request for access, which starts that twenty-four day clock."

After the hearing, Ayotte said: "The deal establishes a tedious and time-consuming process for gaining access to undeclared sites that could take significantly longer than 24 days. Given Iran's track record, the deal fails to implement the tough and timely verification and inspections regime necessary to compel and confirm Tehran's compliance."

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