The head of the United Nations' nuclear agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, signaled Wednesday that inspectors would visit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, a critical component of the interim deal between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities. Grossi’s comments represent the strongest assertion yet from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding access to these sensitive locations.
Since Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran in 2025, Tehran has restricted IAEA access to enrichment sites, where the Islamic Republic is believed to possess enough highly enriched uranium to potentially develop up to 10 nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though it is unique in enriching uranium to 60% purity without a weapons program.
Contradictory remarks emerged Tuesday from the U.S. and Iran regarding the inspection of these sites. Grossi acknowledged these discrepancies, describing the situation as a "war of words."
"I can understand political statements, they are part of the reality, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents," Grossi told journalists at a news conference. He emphasized that the accord explicitly states that nuclear activities at material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA. "Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen."
These inspections are vital for the current deal, which requires Iran to "downblend" its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, an Iranian diplomat, Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister, promptly rejected the notion of immediate inspections, stating that such visits would only occur within the framework of a final agreement and following concrete actions by the other side to lift all sanctions.
The IAEA has been permitted to visit other Iranian nuclear facilities, such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant, since the 2025 conflict. However, without access to enrichment sites, the agency cannot verify the status of Iran's uranium stockpile or the centrifuges used for enrichment. While both Iran and the IAEA state that Tehran has not been enriching uranium, nonproliferation experts express concern that the Islamic Republic may be relocating its stockpile to undeclared locations.
The U.S. and Iran reached an agreement last week that obliges Tehran to reduce its enriched uranium stockpile and waives U.S.-backed sanctions, with a 60-day period for both sides to negotiate broader terms. This fragile arrangement has already faced tests, including Iran's announcement of closing the Strait of Hormuz due to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Although violence resumed in Lebanon on Tuesday, it has not escalated.
Technical-level talks between the U.S. and Iran are anticipated to restart next week in Switzerland. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a three-nation tour in the Persian Gulf, starting with meetings in Abu Dhabi, followed by visits to Kuwait and Bahrain.