Key facts
- IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed inspectors will visit Iranian nuclear sites.
- The visits are part of a new US-Iran accord, a memorandum of understanding.
- The accord explicitly allows inspections of all nuclear facilities.
- Iran's deputy foreign minister stated access to damaged facilities and nuclear material is contingent on a final deal and sanctions relief.
- The US and Iran committed to negotiating a final deal within 60 days under the accord.
- The accord includes a mechanism for resolving stockpiled enriched material, with on-site down-blending under IAEA supervision.
The head of the United Nations' nuclear agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has confirmed that inspectors will visit Iranian nuclear sites as part of a preliminary peace agreement with the US. Grossi stated that the memorandum of understanding explicitly allows for inspections of all nuclear facilities, countering claims made by Tehran. The specific modalities, including dates, procedures, and locations, are to be finalized soon.
This confirmation comes amid a dispute over access to Iran's nuclear sites. While Grossi emphasized the explicit agreement for IAEA supervision of nuclear activities, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that access to damaged facilities and nuclear material would only be addressed within the framework of a final deal and after sanctions are lifted. US President Donald Trump, however, dismissed Iran's statements, asserting the country had fully agreed to inspections.
The 14-point memorandum of understanding commits the US and Iran to negotiating a final deal within 60 days. It includes a mechanism for resolving stockpiled enriched material, with on-site down-blending under IAEA supervision. Prior to the US-Israeli war with Iran, the IAEA reported Iran possessed 440kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are peaceful.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently visiting Gulf nations to discuss the deal. The agreement also addresses shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, with some ships already passing through the strait under a scheme to evacuate stranded sailors.