International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said nuclear inspections in Iran will resume under the terms of the latest agreement, though Iranian officials insist no arrangement has yet been reached regarding access to facilities damaged during the conflict.
Grossi said the agreement “explicitly” states that “nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regards to nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA.”
“Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect,” Grossi said.
While declining to provide a specific timeline, he said discussions were continuing with Iranian authorities on the modalities of future inspections.
“Whether this happens later or after further discussions, it’s important but not essential. This is going to happen.”
His remarks come amid continued uncertainty over access to Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly sites targeted during US and Israeli strikes.
Iranian officials quickly rejected Grossi’s comments. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said no agreement had been reached on inspections of facilities attacked during the conflict and stressed that any future access would depend on a comprehensive settlement between Tehran and Washington.
In a post on X, Gharibabadi wrote: “No meeting was held with Grossi in Switzerland, despite his request. Nor is there any plan for access to the facilities that were attacked or to nuclear material.”
He added that inspections would only be considered as part of a broader agreement involving reciprocal commitments from the United States and its partners.
“These issues will be reviewed and decided only within the framework of a final agreement and as a result of practical action by the other side to end all sanctions and other measures.”
Gharibabadi also criticised what he described as attempts to pressure Iran through public statements.
“You cannot advance the ‘stir up and take over’ policy with media hype.”
The disagreement highlights continuing differences over the implementation of the US-Iran understanding, despite both sides presenting the agreement as a pathway towards reducing tensions.
US President Donald Trump said Iran had “fully and completely agreed” to allow international inspectors to return. Iran, however, has repeatedly denied that any such commitment has been finalised, particularly regarding facilities damaged during the military strikes.
The status of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains a key concern. Tehran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons while maintaining that it has the right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme.
Although Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA under legislation passed after the 2025 conflict, the two sides later agreed on a new framework allowing limited engagement to resume. IAEA officials have since visited several Iranian facilities, though access to sites struck during the conflict remains restricted
