WASHINGTON: The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed that its inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since Israeli and US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi told Fox News that a team of inspectors is “back in Iran” and that efforts are underway to restart monitoring activities. He noted that while some Iranian facilities were hit during the conflict, others remained untouched, and discussions are ongoing to determine “practical modalities” for resuming inspections.
Tehran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA following a 12-day war with Israel in June, accusing the agency of failing to condemn the strikes. The conflict not only disrupted Iran’s nuclear oversight but also derailed talks with Washington.
The announcement coincided with Iran’s negotiations in Geneva with Britain, France, and Germany, who are warning of triggering the “snapback mechanism” of the 2015 nuclear deal by the end of August. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi urged European powers to “make the right choice and give diplomacy time.”
The 2015 accord, undermined by Donald Trump’s 2018 withdrawal, remains under strain as Iran faces renewed pressure over its nuclear activities.
