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The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warns Iran has begun removing surveillance cameras from nuclear sites, setting back efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Thursday the move could leave inspectors unable to detect whether Iran is producing weapons-grade uranium. 

Rafael Grossi: “What we are seeing is that — because of the decision that is being announced to us today, is a decrease of the visibility that the agency is going to have about what’s happening in Iran. And, of course, this is something I deplore.”

Grossi called on Iran to reverse what he said would be a “fatal blow” to talks aimed at restoring a deal to allow Iran to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes in exchange for relief from sanctions. Former President Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Iran insists that any new deal must include sanctions relief and a commitment that the U.S. will not renege on its agreement a second time.