VIENNA: Differences have emerged between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran over the implementation of nuclear inspections following the interim memorandum of understanding reached between Tehran and Washington.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday that United Nations inspectors would return to Iran “very soon” to monitor the country’s nuclear activities under the provisions of the newly signed 14-point memorandum of understanding.
Speaking at a press conference in Japan, Grossi said Paragraph 8 of the agreement clearly states that nuclear activities involving nuclear material and facilities will be subject to IAEA supervision.
“Paragraph 8 of this memorandum of understanding states explicitly that nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regards to nuclear material and facilities will be supervised by the IAEA,” Grossi said, adding that inspections would be necessary to implement the agreement.
Iran, however, maintained that access to its nuclear facilities would depend on progress in sanctions relief.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said inspection arrangements would only be addressed as part of a final comprehensive agreement and stressed that practical steps by the United States to ease economic sanctions remained a key condition.
In a post on X, Gharibabadi said public statements could not determine the implementation of the agreement, adding that inspection issues would be resolved through negotiations.
The differing positions come during a 60-day negotiation period, during which both sides are expected to finalise technical aspects of the agreement, including arrangements concerning Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
According to the IAEA, international inspectors have been unable to access some of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities since military strikes last year, while routine inspections were further disrupted following another round of attacks on February 28.
The agency has previously reported that Iran possesses uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity, a level below weapons-grade but significantly higher than that required for civilian nuclear programmes.
The IAEA has also said it is seeking updated information on the quantity and location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, making the ongoing negotiations a key element of broader efforts to maintain regional stability and advance a long-term agreement.
