International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi affirmed that nuclear inspections in Iran could resume rapidly, despite ongoing disputes between Tehran and Washington. Grossi acknowledged a "war of words" between the two nations regarding the terms of a recently signed interim peace deal, but emphasized that the agreement explicitly mandates IAEA supervision of Iran's nuclear activities and materials.
The interim deal, signed between the US and Iran, commits both parties to negotiating a final agreement within 60 days. This agreement stipulates that the dilution of Iran's highly enriched uranium will occur under IAEA supervision. Grossi noted that while Iran's deputy foreign minister insisted inspections would only happen after a final deal, the foundational memorandum of understanding explicitly calls for IAEA oversight, making inspections inevitable.
Grossi also referred to earlier contradictory statements, where US Vice-President JD Vance claimed Iran had agreed to invite IAEA inspectors, a claim Iran's foreign ministry spokesman denied, stating no detailed discussions had occurred. US President Donald Trump then dismissed Iran's "protestations." Grossi reiterated that regardless of the political rhetoric, the written agreement guarantees inspections will take place, and the timing, whether in days or weeks, is less critical than the fact that they will happen.
Earlier IAEA reports indicated that inspectors were granted access to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, but were still denied access to sensitive nuclear facilities that were bombed in June 2025 during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran. This lack of access prevented the IAEA from providing accurate information on Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, which was estimated at 440kg (970 lbs) of 60% enriched uranium before the war, theoretically enough for up to 10 nuclear weapons if enriched further.
The interim peace deal, which also included a proposed $300 billion fund and the waiver of some sanctions, had an immediate impact on oil prices. Brent North Sea crude oil, which had reached a high of $126.41 per barrel during the Middle East conflict, declined significantly to under $75 per barrel, trading at $74.73 on Wednesday following the agreement.
