The head of the United Nations’ nuclear agency emphasized the importance of inspecting Iranian nuclear sites. These inspections are vital in the interim deal between the U.S. and Iran to cease ongoing conflicts.
An Iranian diplomat, however, stated that such visits would follow only after a final agreement. The U.S. and Iran have given differing statements regarding the inspection of these sites.
Following the agreement signed a week ago, U.S. and Iranian leaders have often publicly disagreed on the interpretation of the document. This dispute continues alongside other regional issues, such as the ongoing war with Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and the usage of billions of dollars once released from sanctions.
Post-agreement, both nations agreed to a 60-day timeline to resolve these issues through private negotiations. Until these talks conclude, public negotiations persist, risking the fragile ceasefire in the region.
The remarks by Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have been the strongest from the agency. The IAEA plays a crucial role in assessing Iran’s nuclear stockpile, especially since the agency has been denied access to Iran’s enrichment sites since Israel initiated a 12-day war on Iran in 2025.
Although Iran asserts its nuclear intentions are peaceful, its enrichment level of up to 60% purity calls Iran’s motives into question. Grossi stated, “I can understand political statements, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents.”
This accord explicitly mandates that nuclear activities will be supervised by the IAEA. Grossi assured that inspections will happen, whether immediately or shortly after, emphasizing their inevitability.
Kazem Gharibabadi, an Iranian deputy foreign minister, disagreed with Grossi’s comments and remarked from Switzerland, asserting that decisions would align with a final agreement and contingent upon ending sanctions and other measures.
The IAEA previously accessed other Iranian nuclear facilities, like the Bushehr power plant, though without entry to enrichment sites, it cannot verify Iran’s uranium stockpile or inspect centrifuges.
Under last week’s deal, Iran agreed to dilute its enriched uranium stockpile while U.S.-backed sanctions on Iranian oil would be lifted. Both sides have 60 days to finalize broader deals. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Iran threatened to close a vital strait amidst ongoing clashes with Israel and Hezbollah.
In retaliation, Israel recently conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, further straining regional peace. Israeli leaders insist on maintaining their presence in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah threatens its security.
Lebanon and Israel commenced talks in Washington to negotiate a potential Israeli withdrawal. The U.S. and Iran are scheduled to continue technical discussions next week in Switzerland, with Pakistan contributing as a mediator.
These developments coincide with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s tour of the Persian Gulf, where he met with leaders across the region. During his visit, the U.S. announced the limited reopening of its embassy in Kuwait following closures during the Iran conflict.
Contributors to this report included Julia Frankel, Matthew Lee, and Munir Ahmed from various locations globally, with Gambrell reporting from Dubai, UAE.