New Agreement Grants IAEA Access to Iran's Nuclear Sites Amid Ongoing Tensions

Tue Sep 23 2025 13:56:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A landmark agreement between Iran and the IAEA allows for inspections of all Iranian nuclear facilities and reporting on materials at sites attacked by Israel, reinforcing international monitoring amid rising tensions.

Amid escalating tensions post the Israel-Iran conflict, an agreement has been established between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This accord facilitates IAEA inspections at all Iranian nuclear facilities, ensuring transparency regarding materials previously located at sites targeted by Israel. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the agreement's significance in restoring comprehensive cooperation, necessitating immediate implementation of the protocols detailed in the document.

In Vienna, a pivotal agreement was announced between Iran and the United Nations' atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aimed at restoring monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program. This deal allows the IAEA full access to all of Iran's nuclear facilities and mandates reporting on materials previously contained at locations that were attacked by Israel in recent conflicts.

The accord was revealed during a Tuesday meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Although specifics on the arrangement were not disclosed, Grossi later informed the IAEA's board of governors about the inspection procedures outlined in the agreement, encouraging immediate cooperation.

Grossi remarked, The technical nature of this document does not diminish its profound significance. These practical steps need to be implemented now, underscoring the urgency of the agreement in light of increased scrutiny on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

This development comes on the heels of heightened military tensions, particularly following a recent conflict involving Israel's extended military campaign against Iran’s nuclear sites. President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA due to the hostilities, which has only added complexity to diplomatic relations. The IAEA had expressed significant concern over its ability to verify the status of Iran’s nuclear materials.

Under the new agreement, IAEA inspectors are anticipated to be able to monitor and verify Iran’s nuclear activities, including a near bomb-grade stockpile of enriched uranium. Iran currently possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, which is critical information within the context of international agreements aimed at preventing nuclear weapon development.

Araghchi emphasized that the agreement reflects Iran’s necessary security considerations and clarifies its obligations under the IAEA’s oversight mandates, while also warning that any perceived hostile actions against Iran would lead to the termination of the accord.

This new framework could play a significant role in diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the escalating situation concerning Iran's nuclear activities, especially as European nations contemplate reinstating sanctions under the 'snapback' mechanism due to Iran's non-compliance with a previous nuclear agreement.