The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, called on Iran to "re-engage" to allow inspections at sites bombed a year ago. The U.S. and allies are pushing for a resolution demanding Iran provide information on enriched uranium and grant access, while Tehran warns against coercion.
The standoff between Iran and the IAEA, coupled with international pressure for a resolution, heightens geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation of Iran's nuclear program.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has called on Iran to resume engagement with the agency to allow inspections at nuclear sites that were bombed approximately a year ago. The U.S., along with Britain, France, and Germany, is leading efforts to pass a resolution at the IAEA's board meeting that would compel Iran to provide complete information on its enriched uranium and grant necessary access without delay.
Iran has not yet provided the IAEA with details regarding the events at the bombed sites or the status of nuclear material, including uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, that was stored there. While the bombings damaged enrichment facilities, a significant amount of highly enriched uranium, some up to 60%, is believed to have survived.
Grossi stated that communication channels with Iran are largely broken, despite sporadic contacts with Iranian officials. He emphasized the importance of re-engagement for the effective implementation of safeguards. The IAEA has been conducting inspections at non-bombed sites but halted them in February due to renewed military strikes, limiting its oversight to the Bushehr power plant.
Iran's mission to the IAEA responded on X, asserting that responsibility for attacks lies with the perpetrators and should not be shifted to the victim. The mission warned that the board should avoid coercion and confrontation, as these tactics undermine diplomatic solutions. The proposed resolution, expected to pass, risks complicating ongoing U.S.-Iran talks aimed at extending a ceasefire and potentially leading to broader discussions on Iran's nuclear program.
In parallel, Iran and Israel exchanged military strikes, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.