IAEA Chief Confirms Nuclear Inspections in Iran Under Peace Deal

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated on Wednesday that nuclear inspections in Iran will proceed under the preliminary peace agreement between Tehran and Washington. Speaking to reporters in Japan, Grossi confirmed that the inspections "will indeed take place" and that the IAEA will soon work out the modalities, including dates and locations.

The preliminary agreement, signed last week, explicitly requires that the dilution of Iran's highly enriched uranium be carried out under IAEA supervision. However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi pushed back, asserting that access to damaged nuclear facilities and materials would only be addressed in a final deal after sanctions are lifted. He dismissed "media noise" as an attempt to impose facts.

Grossi acknowledged the conflicting statements, noting that he understands political statements but emphasized that the signed memorandum of understanding explicitly states that nuclear activities will be supervised by the IAEA. He said inspections will happen in cooperation with the Iranian government, whether in days or weeks.

The dispute comes amid diplomatic efforts by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Gulf leaders this week. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices fell below $75 per barrel for the first time since the US-Israeli war on Iran began, reflecting market reactions. The UN also reported that some ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a scheme to evacuate stranded sailors.

The IAEA's recent report indicated that inspectors were allowed to visit the Bushehr nuclear power plant earlier this month but were still denied access to sensitive facilities bombed in June 2025. As a result, the agency cannot verify the size or location of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, which before the war stood at 440 kg of 60% enriched uranium – enough for up to ten bombs if further enriched.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran accepted strict limits in exchange for sanctions relief. The US abandoned the deal in 2018, leading Iran to breach enrichment restrictions. The current preliminary agreement aims to negotiate a final deal within 60 days.