IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Friday that the UN nuclear watchdog hopes to soon resume inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, emphasizing that access is essential to verify Tehran's nuclear program. Speaking at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Grossi noted that the IAEA's technical work had already begun following the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran.
IAEA's Technical Work Underway
"What is undeniable is that we have an MoU. This MoU specifically indicates that the nuclear part of the memorandum will be supervised; this work will be supervised by the IAEA. In order to supervise, we need to inspect. There is no other way. So the technical work has started. And we hope to be there soon," Grossi said.
The IAEA chief also addressed Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, stating that the agency's current assessment indicates the material remains at locations where it was last verified in June 2025. He noted that most of the stockpile is believed to be at the Fordow nuclear facility, with additional material at Natanz.
Need for Physical Access
Grossi stressed that the agency must regain physical access to confirm the status of the uranium. "It is the impression or idea that it is where it was back in June 2025," he added. He recalled that during the IAEA's last visit to Iran in June 2025, inspectors measured, weighed, and sealed the enriched uranium stockpiles. "So before anything starts, we have to go back and check whether our seals are there and whether there is any missing material. That is, I would say, the first thing before anything else," he said.
Iran's Denial of Inspection Access
However, Iran has consistently denied that the agreement with the US includes provisions for inspection of its nuclear sites. On Thursday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X, rejecting suggestions that the IAEA would soon gain access. He said no meeting had taken place with Grossi despite the IAEA chief's request in Switzerland, where initial technical talks were held under the MoU. Gharibabadi stated there was "no programme" for granting the IAEA access to sites damaged in recent attacks or to nuclear materials, adding that such issues would only be addressed under a final agreement and after the US takes practical steps to lift all sanctions.
US President Trump's Stance
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he would "cancel meetings" as part of technical talks with Iran if Tehran does not allow IAEA inspections. He asserted that Washington had secured assurances on inspection access as part of ongoing talks. Responding to questions about whether UN inspectors would be deployed, Trump insisted Iran had agreed in principle. "They're wrong. They're wrong. They're wrong. They know they're wrong. They told us inside, and we have it down 100 per cent for inspections. And if they were right, I'd cancel the meetings right now," Trump said.
