Lilian Nyiva
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has said the agency will carry out inspections in Iran under a preliminary peace agreement reached between Iran and the United States.
Speaking on Tuesday, Grossi stated that inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities are expected to proceed, although discussions are still ongoing regarding the timing, scope and operational details of the monitoring process. The inspections are part of a broader framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington and addressing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.
According to reports, the preliminary agreement includes a 60-day negotiation period during which both countries will work toward a more comprehensive settlement on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief. The agreement also outlines a role for the IAEA in verifying compliance with any nuclear-related commitments made by Iran.
Disagreement Over Inspection Access
Despite Grossi's comments, Iranian officials have signaled that some aspects of the inspection process remain unresolved. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reportedly said inspections of sensitive or previously targeted nuclear facilities would not take place until a final agreement is reached and sanctions are lifted.
The differing statements highlight continuing disagreements between the two sides over the implementation of the preliminary deal. However, the IAEA chief maintained that inspections would ultimately move forward under the framework agreed upon by both countries.
Concerns Over Enriched Uranium
A major focus of the inspections is expected to be Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The IAEA has previously expressed concern over Iran's accumulation of uranium enriched to levels close to weapons-grade purity. The agency has stressed the importance of restoring access to nuclear sites to verify the status and location of nuclear materials.
International monitoring of Iran's nuclear programme was significantly disrupted after Tehran restricted access to some facilities following military strikes on its nuclear infrastructure in 2025. The return of inspectors is therefore seen as a key confidence-building measure in the ongoing diplomatic process.
Path Toward a Broader Agreement
The preliminary accord is viewed as an initial step rather than a final settlement. Negotiators from both countries are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks to address unresolved issues, including the future of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and broader regional security concerns.
The IAEA has reiterated that its role remains focused on independently verifying that Iran's nuclear activities remain peaceful and in line with international obligations.
