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WASHINGTON — A secret side deal to the Iran nuclear agreement allows Tehran to send its own inspectors to investigate a site where it has been accused of developing nuclear weapons, it was reported Wednesday.
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran hammered out the plan for self-inspections of the Parchin military complex, long suspected of being a test site for nuclear arms, according to The Associated Press.
The United States and five world powers were not privy to the negotiations, but were briefed on the deal as part of the larger package signed in July limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
Skeptical members of the GOP-led Congress have been demanding texts of any side agreements, but the Obama administration has insisted the arrangements are technical and that it didn’t have copies.
“It is absolutely unacceptable, yet telling, that we are finding out the details of these agreements through The Associated Press,” said an outraged House Majority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
Intelligence agencies have long suspected Parchin was used to experiment with high-explosive detonators for nuclear arms.
Iran has refused international inspectors access to the site for years and under the new deal that will not change.
Instead, the IAEA will diverge from normal protocol and allow Tehran to use its own experts and equipment to search for evidence of nuclear-weapons experimentation at the site.
Olli Heinonen, who was in charge of the Iran probe as deputy IAEA director general from 2005 to 2010, said he could think of no similar concession to any other nation.
Iran is to provide photos and videos to the IAEA while “taking into account military concerns.”
That wording suggests Iran will continue to keep off-limits areas of the complex Tehran has deemed of military significance.
“This is a dangerous farce,” fumed Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Team Obama defended the side deal and said it had confidence in the inspection program.
Congress is set to vote on the pact in September.
