UN Nuclear Inspectors Resume Work in Iran Amidst Tensions Over Controversial Facility Inspections
UN nuclear inspectors have resumed operations in Iran, according to both Iranian officials and Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This development comes despite a ban on cooperation between Iran and the agency.
Grossi told Fox News that discussions are underway to determine practical measures for reinstating inspections at various nuclear facilities. Some facilities have been damaged, while others remain intact. He stated, “We are about to restart…the question is how.”
In June, Israel launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, instigating a 12-day military conflict and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities. The United States also participated in the final days of the conflict, striking three Iranian sites.
Following these strikes, the IAEA withdrew its team from Iran in July after parliament passed a law halting cooperation with the agency. Grossi explained that inspections became impossible due to the ongoing conflict, or as he put it, “wartime.”
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, confirmed the return of UN inspectors during a parliament session on Wednesday, according to Iranian state media. The inspectors are now permitted to monitor fuel replacement at the Bushehr nuclear power plant following a decision by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that a new cooperation agreement has been reached with the IAEA, as per his Telegram channel post.
During the conflict, Iran accused the IAEA of providing Israel with a pretext for attack by publishing a report alleging non-compliance from Tehran regarding its safeguard obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Grossi acknowledged the challenges in negotiating a return to Iran, stating, “for some in Iran, the presence of international inspectors is detrimental to their international security.” Grossi is currently in Washington, D.C., meeting with US officials.
Israel’s attack occurred a day before scheduled negotiations between Iran and the US over Iran’s nuclear program. Talks have since ceased, with no clear resumption date set.
Kamran Ghazanfari, a member of Iran’s parliament, criticized comments made by Ghalibaf during Wednesday’s legislative session, suggesting that the government might allow inspectors to enter the Bushehr nuclear plant and a Tehran research site. Ghazanfari argued this decision would constitute an “explicit violation” of the law requiring the suspension of cooperation with the agency.
On Tuesday, Iranian negotiators met with representatives from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) in Geneva to attempt to prevent the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, which were lifted under a landmark nuclear agreement signed 10 years ago. The E3 informed the UN that they would invoke the ‘snapback’ mechanism to reinstate sanctions if Iran continues to violate its obligations under the 2015 deal.
Iran responded by scaling back compliance with the deal and accelerating uranium enrichment after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in his first term.