The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday said that Iran has begun removing 27 of the United Nations watchdog’s monitoring equipment. These equipment was installed under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The IAEA revelations comes as tensions have mounted with Iran over its nuclear programme, with Tehran enriching uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

On other hand, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. Mr Blinken further said, Iran’s actions threatened the possible restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal. He said that negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal can only conclude if Tehran drops its extraneous demands. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the 2015 agreement is called, was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.