UN Nuclear Chief Confirms Iran Inspections Under Preliminary Peace Agreement
UN nuclear chief says inspectors will – The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, affirmed that inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities will proceed under the terms of the country’s initial agreement with the United States. Speaking in Japan, Grossi highlighted that the agency is finalizing specifics such as timing, procedures, and locations for these inspections.
“The inspections will indeed take place,” Grossi stated. “We will be working on the modalities—dates, procedures, places—very soon.”
The recent agreement outlined that Iran’s enriched uranium would be diluted under IAEA oversight. However, Iran’s deputy foreign minister contested this, asserting that access to nuclear sites and materials would only be determined in the final deal with the U.S.
As part of ongoing negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan before visiting Kuwait and Bahrain. In Kuwait City, Rubio emphasized alignment with Gulf allies, stating, “If Iran wants to make a good and real deal, the United States is open to that. If they’re not, then of course the president has options.”
Iran’s stance has sparked debate. Following discussions in Switzerland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance claimed Iran had “agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country.” The next day, an Iranian foreign ministry representative dismissed this, noting “no detailed discussions” had occurred and no plans to grant access to facilities bombed during the June 2025 conflict with Israel.
Trump criticized Iran’s position, calling it “false statements to the contrary” and insisting the country had “fully and completely agreed” to inspections. Grossi acknowledged the political tension but reiterated that a signed memorandum of understanding between both leaders ensures IAEA supervision of nuclear activities.
Strait of Hormuz and Oil Market Reactions
Meanwhile, the UN reported that ships had already traversed the Strait of Hormuz under a scheme to rescue sailors stranded by the war. The price of Brent crude oil dropped below $75 (£57) for the first time since the conflict began, reflecting market uncertainty.
The 14-point memorandum of understanding sets a 60-day timeline for finalizing the deal. It outlines commitments to resolve stockpiled enriched material through a mutually agreed mechanism, with dilution carried out under IAEA supervision. Grossi confirmed that inspectors were permitted to visit Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant earlier this month, though access to other sites remains under negotiation.
