The UN nuclear agency insists inspections at Iran's atomic sites are proceeding. However, a senior Iranian official stated such access is contingent on a final agreement with the United States. Dates and locations are under discussion, while the US has signaled no immediate rush.
IAEA Confirms Iran Inspections
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to conduct inspections at Iran's nuclear sites, according to agency chief Rafael Grossi. "Nuclear activities... will be supervised by the IAEA," Grossi stated during a visit to Japan, emphasizing that inspections are inevitable and currently being discussed with Iranian officials.
Tehran Links Inspections to US Deal
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi countered, asserting that UN inspectors' access to sensitive sites hinges on the finalization of an agreement with the United States. He linked this access to the "termination of all sanctions" and noted that Grossi's requests for meetings during Switzerland talks were denied.
The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran has opened a 60-day window for discussions on key issues, including Tehran's nuclear program and its enriched uranium stockpile. Despite these ongoing talks, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated no clear schedule for IAEA examination of recently attacked nuclear facilities.
US Cautious on Timeline
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that IAEA inspectors would visit Iran, but he downplayed any urgency, stating there was "no rush." Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that negotiations concerning Tehran's ballistic missile program have not occurred and will not take place.
Iran's cooperation with the IAEA was suspended last year following military actions by the US and Israel. Although Iran agreed in September to a new framework allowing inspectors to return, access to recently bombed sites has been denied. Technical talks between the US and Iran are expected to resume in Switzerland.