IAEA to Inspect Iran's Nuclear Facilities Despite Contradictory Statements from Tehran and Washington — Grossi
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), officially stated that the agency’s inspectors will definitely visit Iranian nuclear facilities to conduct inspections.
This step is a fundamental element of the recently concluded interim agreement between the United States and Iran, which aims to de-escalate tensions and end the armed conflict.
The day before, officials in Washington and Tehran had expressed opposing positions regarding the admission of international observers to restricted facilities.
Rafael Grossi acknowledged the existence of these disagreements in the public sphere but urged against overestimating the significance of diplomatic disputes.
The head of the UN nuclear agency described the parties’ current public statements as a temporary “war of words” that does not alter the substance of the signed legal documents.
“I understand political statements; they are part of reality, but the main point I would like to draw your attention to is that there is a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both presidents,” Rafael Grossi told reporters at a press conference.
The IAEA director general emphasized that the signatures of the leaders of both countries impose clear international obligations on them that cannot be ignored. The agreement provides for full transparency of Iran’s nuclear program to the international community.
The organization is already developing logistics routes and schedules for its monitoring missions, which are set to begin work in the near future.
“It is clearly stated that nuclear activities carried out at facilities containing nuclear materials will be under IAEA supervision—in every sense of the word,” he added.
Grossi also noted that the specific date the on-site mission begins will not affect the overall outcome of the inspections. The main thing is the parties’ agreement in principle to open their facilities for a thorough audit.
The agency’s experts are ready to travel to the Islamic Republic immediately after technical arrangements are finalized.
“Obviously, we will have to conduct inspections for this. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow, in a week, or in 10 days—that’s important, but not decisive. It will definitely happen,” Grossi said.
The Associated Press reported this, emphasizing the importance of international oversight of the implementation of peace agreements.
Iran has agreed to allow IAEA inspectors access to its nuclear facilities
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