The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stated on Friday that the agency is prepared to resume inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities, citing a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran that he says places verification under IAEA supervision. Speaking in Tokyo, Grossi expressed hope that experts could enter sites soon, noting that initial technical exchanges with Iranian officials had begun. He maintained that the agency believes nuclear material has not been moved since the last inspection in 2025, but stressed that on-site verification is necessary to provide credible assurances. The remarks immediately collided with Tehran’s position, as Iranian officials have repeatedly declared that no access will be granted to facilities damaged during the recent military strikes until a final agreement is reached and sanctions are fully terminated.

Viewed from Tehran, the memorandum’s 60-day negotiation framework preserves the status quo of the nuclear programme, meaning routine inspections at undamaged sites such as the Bushehr power plant continue, while access to the heavily struck enrichment plants at Natanz, Fordow and the Isfahan complex remains suspended. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei have both underlined that there is no plan or established protocol for inspecting attacked facilities, and that any such step is conditional on the outcome of talks and the other side’s practical action to end all sanctions. Iranian diplomatic sources further interpret the memorandum as defining the IAEA’s role only after a comprehensive deal, not during the interim period.

Grossi outlined two technical options for Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium—dilution inside the country or transfer abroad—while emphasising that the final decision rests with the US-Iran memorandum, not the agency. He acknowledged that Tehran has stated it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but argued that a “very robust” verification system must be established swiftly. The IAEA chief also noted that the details of inspection work and the composition of a coordination committee will be determined by the bilateral negotiations, a process he expects to accelerate. In Washington, officials have claimed that Iran agreed to full and unconditional inspections, a characterisation Iranian authorities have rejected as inaccurate.

The dispute over access unfolds against the backdrop of a 12-day war that saw Israeli and American strikes on Iran’s main nuclear sites, after which Iran’s parliament passed legislation requiring Supreme National Security Council approval for IAEA cooperation. The agency’s Board of Governors recently adopted a resolution demanding immediate cooperation and clarification on the whereabouts of nuclear material. While Grossi’s push for early access is seen in some European capitals as essential to building confidence during the 60-day negotiation window, Iranian officials view it as an attempt to expand the agency’s mandate before the core political issues—sanctions relief, economic reconstruction, and the withdrawal of American forces—are settled. Initial technical talks have taken place, but no timeline for inspector access has been agreed, leaving the dossier open as the two sides proceed with the broader negotiations.