IAEA closes investigation: Did Iran have a nuclear weapons development program?

The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decided today to close an investigation into whether Iran had a nuclear weapons development program in the past, endorsing Tehran's nuclear deal with six world powers, instead of continuing to review the Islamic Republic's past activities.

In a move seen as a symbolic victory for Iran, the IAEA's Board of Governors passed a resolution ending the organization's long-standing investigation but allowing inspectors to continue monitoring Tehran's nuclear activities.

"It's over," one diplomat wrote in a text message from the closed-door meeting, adding that the decision on Iran's nuclear program was reached by consensus, meaning there was no opposition, Reuters reported.

"As we close this important chapter here today, we must remain mindful that we are not closing the agency's ability to investigate potential concerns that may arise," U.S. Envoy Henry Enscher said in a speech to the Board of Governors.

Iran has welcomed the IAEA's decision to end the investigation into Tehran's past nuclear activities, Taksim agency reported the statement of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

"We welcome the closure of the investigation into Iran's past nuclear activities ... the resolution of the agency's Board of Governors ... demonstrates the peacetime nature of Iran's nuclear program," Zarif said.

The IAEA released a report this month stating that Iran had a program to develop nuclear weapons until 2003, but that those activities did not resume after 2009.

In July, Iran and six world powers reached a historic agreement on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran's nuclear negotiations with the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, which began in late 2013, were conducted with the aim of reaching an agreement that would ease Western fears that Tehran was developing weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear program, in exchange for easing sanctions that have caused great damage to the Iranian economy.