IAEA strikes deal with Iran to cushion coming blow of slashed access

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi addresses the media upon his arrival from Tehran, at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria February 21, 2021. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Sunday it had struck a deal with Iran to cushion the blow of steps Tehran plans to take this week that include ending snap inspections, with both sides agreeing to keep "necessary" monitoring for up to three months.

The announcement by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, made at Vienna airport after a weekend trip to Iran, confirmed that Tehran would go ahead with its plan to slash cooperation with the agency on Tuesday.