VIENNA — The head of the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that inspectors will soon visit Iranian nuclear sites as part of an interim agreement between the United States and Iran, despite differing statements from Tehran and Washington.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi made the remarks on Wednesday during a press conference in Japan. “The inspections will indeed take place,” he said, according to an audio recording posted by the IAEA. “We will be working on the modalities — dates, procedures, places — very soon.”
The comments follow an interim peace accord between the US and Iran aimed at ending the conflict that escalated earlier in 2026. The memorandum includes provisions for IAEA monitoring of Iranian nuclear activities, Grossi said.
Grossi spoke at a news conference near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. He emphasized that the agreement signed by both sides explicitly requires IAEA supervision of nuclear facilities and material.
Iranian officials have indicated that full access to sensitive sites would depend on further progress toward a final deal, including the lifting of sanctions. Details of the exact timing and scope of the inspections remain unclear.
The IAEA has faced restricted access to key Iranian nuclear sites since attacks last year damaged facilities including those at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. The agency has conducted inspections at unaffected sites but has sought broader verification amid concerns over uranium stockpiles.
“The fundamental thing I would like to remind you... is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents,” Grossi told reporters. He acknowledged political statements from both sides but stressed the importance of implementing the accord’s terms.
The development comes as oil prices have eased and shipping routes in the region show signs of stabilization following the ceasefire efforts. US officials have described the agreement as a step toward de-escalation, while Iranian diplomats have highlighted conditions for implementation.
As of Thursday, the IAEA and Iranian authorities had not announced specific dates for the visits. Negotiations on procedures are expected to continue in the coming days, officials said.
The agency’s board and member states continue to monitor the situation closely for compliance with safeguards obligations. No immediate further comments were issued by the White House or Iranian government on the inspection timeline.
