Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicated that nuclear inspections in Iran could resume promptly following a preliminary peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Grossi stated that the IAEA would begin working on the "modalities — dates, procedures, places — very soon" for these inspections. This agreement mandates IAEA supervision over Iran's nuclear activities and the disposition of its enriched uranium stockpile, with a minimum requirement of on-site down-blending under IAEA oversight.
The resumption of inspections is crucial for verifying Iran's claims of a peaceful nuclear program and is seen as a pathway to lifting US and UN sanctions on Iran. Before recent conflicts, the IAEA estimated Iran possessed around 440kg (approximately 970 lbs) of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, a level close to weapons-grade. Grossi emphasized that "intentions are not enough" and a "very strong verification system" is necessary to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
Access to bombed nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz is particularly critical. While Iran has not yet provided the IAEA with information on the status or location of its declared nuclear material after the June 2025 attacks, the US-Iran memorandum explicitly states that nuclear activities will be supervised by the IAEA. The agency previously reported a loss of "continuity of knowledge" for over a year regarding enriched uranium inventories at affected facilities, raising significant proliferation concerns. While initial technical discussions with Tehran have begun, talks over the enriched uranium stockpile have "barely initiated."
Former senior legal adviser on IAEA safeguards, Laura Rockwood, believes Iran will eventually permit inspectors, though she anticipates potential delays or disputes, possibly to remove enriched uranium from bombed sites. The lifting of UN sanctions requires approval from all five permanent members of the Security Council, with European nations expecting further measures like the removal of Iran's enriched uranium to another country for down-blending. The US-Iran memorandum commits both sides to negotiating a final deal within 60 days.
