Amidst conflicting statements from Iranian and American officials regarding the inspection of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), director-general Rafael Grossi has affirmed that inspectors will visit these sites.
Speaking from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, Grossi stated on Wednesday that IAEA inspectors will carry out visits to Iran’s uranium enrichment sites. This inspection is a crucial element of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed on June 18.
He remarked, "I can understand the political statements, which are a part of reality. However, the main point I want to emphasize is that a memorandum of understanding has been signed that clearly outlines the oversight of nuclear activities and facilities by the agency in every sense of the word." He continued, "Obviously, to accomplish this, inspections are necessary. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or within a week or ten days is significant but not critical; it will happen."
"The Most Decisive Statement"
This statement by Grossi marks the most definitive stance taken by the UN-affiliated IAEA, seen as key to determining Iran's nuclear stockpile status, as reported by the Associated Press.
This announcement came after the United States and Iran issued conflicting statements on Tuesday about whether those sites would undergo inspection.
U.S. President Donald Trump and his deputy J.D. Vance confirmed the inspections, while Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied that Tehran agreed to inspect nuclear facilities that have previously been attacked, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
These inspections are crucial for the agreement, which stipulates the "downgrading" of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile from high enrichment levels.
Iran has consistently stated that its nuclear program is peaceful, despite being the only country in the world enriching uranium up to 60% purity without a nuclear weapons program.