A senior official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to visit Iran on Monday for talks, but there are no plans to inspect nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed. The discussions aim to establish a new framework for cooperation between Tehran and the UN watchdog.
Since Israel’s military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict in June, IAEA inspectors have been unable to access the sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has repeatedly stressed that restoring inspections remains his top priority. However, Iran has accused the agency of enabling the attacks, pointing to a critical IAEA report issued on May 31. That report led the agency’s 35-member Board of Governors to formally declare Iran in breach of its non-proliferation commitments.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful and that it remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Araghchi stated that the Deputy Director General of the IAEA will lead Monday’s talks in Tehran, but site visits will only be possible after a cooperation framework is agreed.
In response to recent tensions, Iran has enacted legislation suspending certain forms of collaboration with the IAEA. Under this law, any future inspections of its nuclear facilities must be approved by the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
