The United Nations nuclear watchdog and Iran have presented seemingly contradictory statements regarding a deal to resume cooperation on Tehran’s nuclear program.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Wednesday that it had secured a deal offering access to all of Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, shortly after, Tehran insisted that the agreement does not guarantee inspections.
According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, the agreement includes “all facilities and installations in Iran” and “contemplates the required reporting on all the attacked facilities, including the nuclear material present.”
Grossi stated that “Iran and the agency will now resume cooperation in a respective and comprehensive way,” despite the technical nature of the document’s contents. This development marks a warming of IAEA-Iran relations after months of tension.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contradicted Grossi’s statement, saying the deal does not guarantee inspectors access to Iranian nuclear sites.
“I have to reiterate the agreement does not currently provide access to IAEA inspectors, apart from the Bushehr nuclear plant,” Araghchi told state TV in an interview.
“Based on reports that Iran will issue in the future, the nature of access will have to be discussed at an appropriate time,” he added. Access would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council.
The deal was announced after months of tension between Iran and the IAEA, which broke down amid Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.
The strikes killed over 600 people, including top scientists and military personnel, and injured thousands.
Angered that the IAEA did not condemn the attacks and accusing the agency of “double standards,” President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending all cooperation with the watchdog and prompting inspectors to leave the country.
European powers have threatened to reimpose international sanctions against Iran that were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal.
Araghchi emphasized that Tehran is prepared to terminate the agreement if “any hostile act” takes place against Iran. “The message is clear: Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, rights, or security.
At the same time, Iran is demonstrating restraint and responsibility by reaching an agreement with the agency to allow continued cooperation,” Araghchi said. Tehran has stressed that the deal would be scrapped should international sanctions be reimposed.
In a separate development, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux voted to annul the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, citing improper jurisdiction.
This unexpected move boosts the likelihood of an appeal following a controversial verdict earlier this week. Bolsonaro faces serious charges, including plotting a coup and damaging state property.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns about the potential implications for global security and stability. As tensions persist, the need for diplomatic solutions and restraint remains paramount.
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