UN Watchdog: Iran Is Complying With Nuclear Deal

The UN atomic watchdog says Iran is complying with the commitments it made under last year's landmark nuclear deal.

The report issued on February 26 is the first since the agreement came into force on January 16.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it was satisfied after "verifying and monitoring the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments."

As agreed, Iran "has not pursued the construction of the existing Arak heavy water research reactor" and has "not enriched uranium" above low levels, according to the IAEA report.

The July 14 nuclear deal with six world powers puts Iran's nuclear activities under IAEA watch for up to 15 years, with an option to reimpose sanctions should Tehran break its commitments.

It aims to increase the time Iran would need to make enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon from several months to a year, primarily by capping Tehran's ability to enrich uranium, which can create material for a nuclear weapon.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP