UN nuclear chief says inspectors will visit Iran sites as part of war deal

UN Nuclear Chief Confirms IAEA Inspections in Iran Amid Preliminary Peace Agreement

UN nuclear chief says inspectors will - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general, Rafael Grossi, has confirmed that nuclear inspections will proceed in Iran as part of a newly inked preliminary peace deal with the United States. The agreement, signed last week, outlines a framework for Iran to dilute its enriched uranium under IAEA supervision, according to Grossi. Speaking in Japan during a diplomatic visit, he emphasized that the agency is "working on the modalities - dates, procedures, places - very soon," adding that the process will involve "collaboration and co-operation" with the Iranian government.

Grossi highlighted the significance of the memorandum of understanding between U.S. and Iranian leaders, stating that it explicitly mandates IAEA oversight of nuclear activities, including the handling of enriched materials. "The fundamental thing... is that there has been a memorandum of understanding signed by both presidents," he said on Wednesday. "This says explicitly that the nuclear activities... will be supervised by the IAEA, in bold letters. This is going to happen." The IAEA’s confirmation comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a landmark nuclear deal that had previously been suspended.

"Whether this happens the day after tomorrow, or in one week, or in 10 days, it's important but not essential," Grossi remarked, underscoring the flexibility in the timeline. His comments align with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent statements, which emphasized alignment with Gulf allies during the talks. In Kuwait City, Rubio reiterated that the U.S. would not finalize any agreement with Iran that compromises the security of its regional allies. "We're going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf," he told reporters. "If Iran wants to make a good and real deal, the United States is open to that. If they're not, then of course the president has options," he added.

Rubio’s remarks followed a meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which he sought to reassure Gulf nations that the U.S. would maintain a firm stance on security concerns. The preliminary agreement, however, remains contentious, with Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi challenging the extent of access granted to inspectors. Gharibabadi wrote on X that the inspection of damaged nuclear facilities and materials would only be finalized within a "final agreement with the U.S. and after practical steps to lift all sanctions." He warned that "media noise cannot be used to impose facts on the ground," suggesting the U.S. might be leveraging public statements to pressure Iran into concessions.

The U.S.-Iran negotiations have seen a sharp divergence in perspectives, particularly regarding the role of the IAEA. While Grossi asserted that the agreement "explicitly" includes supervision of Iran’s nuclear activities, Gharibabadi contested this, claiming there had been "no detailed discussions" on the matter. This dispute highlights the lingering mistrust between the two nations, even as they strive to reach a resolution. The 14-point memorandum of understanding, which sets a 60-day deadline for finalizing the deal, mandates that both sides agree on mechanisms for managing Iran’s stockpiled enriched material. This includes "minimum methodology to be down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA," a critical step in curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Meanwhile, the geopolitical implications of the deal extend beyond nuclear agreements. The initial terms also require Iran to allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. This provision has become a focal point in recent discussions, as the price of Brent crude oil recently dropped below $75 (£57) for the first time since the onset of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran in June 2025. The UN reported that some vessels had already navigated the strait under a temporary evacuation scheme, easing concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Iran’s position appears to hinge on the finalization of sanctions relief, which it views as essential for granting inspectors full access. Gharibabadi’s insistence on a "final agreement" reflects Iran’s desire to ensure that all commitments are binding and that its national interests are protected. In contrast, U.S. negotiators, including Vice-President JD Vance, have framed the preliminary agreement as a breakthrough. Vance stated Monday that Iran had "agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country," a claim Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman disputed, calling the discussions "no detailed discussions" and asserting that no plans had been made for inspections of facilities bombed during the June 2025 conflict.

Trump’s earlier dismissal of Iran’s stance further illustrates the political tensions at play. The former president accused Iran of making "protestations and false statements to the contrary," insisting the country had "fully and completely agreed" to inspections. Grossi echoed this sentiment, noting that while political statements may vary, the IAEA’s role is non-negotiable. "There's a war or words here. Some say 'yes,' the others say 'no,'” he said, but stressed that the agreement’s core principles are already established.

As the negotiations progress, the involvement of international mediators remains crucial. The IAEA has already confirmed that its inspectors visited Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant earlier this month, a key milestone in verifying compliance. However, the agency faces hurdles in accessing other sites, particularly those affected by the 12-day conflict in June 2025. The final deal, expected to be finalized by the end of the month, will determine the extent of Iran’s nuclear program and its alignment with global security interests. With talks set to continue in Switzerland, the path to a comprehensive resolution remains uncertain but promising.

The agreement’s success could reshape the Middle East’s nuclear landscape, balancing Iran’s ambitions with U.S. security priorities. As the IAEA moves forward with its inspections, the international community watches closely, hoping the deal will stabilize tensions and prevent further escalation. The fluctuating oil prices and the UN’s interim measures underscore the economic stakes involved, adding pressure for a swift and fair resolution. Whether the U.S. and Iran can bridge their differences in the remaining days will define the future of their relationship and the region’s stability.