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Iran has confirmed that it would permit a group of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit Iran in the next few weeks as a tentative move forward amidst growing international alarm about Tehran’s nuclear activities. Iranian authorities, however, explained that the group would not inspect nuclear facilities but engage in talks on mechanisms for cooperation.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Wednesday (July 23) in New York said the delegation will “discuss the modality, not to go to the [nuclear] sites.” His comments come amid intensifying diplomatic efforts after recent US and Israel strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities strikes that have generated alarm about Iran’s potential to build a nuclear weapon and derailed international inspections.
The IAEA, directed by Director General Rafael Grossi, has been in continuous contact with all parties to the Iran nuclear situation and emphasized the necessity for the urgent return of access to Iranian nuclear sites. The airstrikes last month were focused on integral parts essential for the monitoring and verification of Iran’s nuclear program, such as the production of enriched uranium.
Iran, for its part, remains adamant that its nuclear program is peaceful. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is assessing the degree of damage caused by the attacks at present, said Gharibabadi. “We do not know what has happened there … because of the risks of the radiation,” he said, adding that Iran still hasn’t received a comprehensive report on the damage.
One of the main questions on the minds of diplomats and outside observers is where to find around 400 kg of highly enriched uranium. The IAEA still has not heard officially from Iran about the whereabouts or condition of the material. Complete restoration of inspections is regarded as pivotal to regaining international trust, especially since Iran has sparse data-sharing with the agency since the assaults.
Gharibabadi further disclosed that the IAEA never officially asked for information regarding the uranium in question. “We cannot comment now because we don’t have any valid and credible report from [Iran’s] Atomic Energy Organization,” he further added, indicating Tehran’s ongoing reluctance to fully engage in full openness.
In June, prior to the Israeli attacks, the IAEA had leveled accusations against Iran of violating non-proliferation treaty obligations an allegation that strained relations further and made the way to resumed diplomatic talks more complicated.
In spite of tensions, negotiations are set to go on. Gharibabadi will hold meetings with British, French, and German diplomats in Istanbul on Friday. The three countries, along with China and Russia, are still members of the 2015 nuclear deal, which the US withdrew from in 2018. Simultaneously, indirect negotiations between the US and Iran facilitated by Oman have gone on during 2025.
