Iran’s blunt reply to the IAEA: ‘Inspections of nuclear sites only possible after a final agreement’

Tension has increased again between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over inspection of nuclear sites. Iran has strongly rejected the claim, after IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grassi hinted at inspections of nuclear sites. Iranian officials have clarified that inspections will be allowed only when a final agreement is signed between the US and Iran.

Iran’s tough stance on Grassi’s claims

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, while giving an official response on the social media platform ‘X’, said that the IAEA chief’s claims have no basis. He clarified that despite any request by Grassi in Switzerland, there has been no meeting with him, nor is Iran planning to give access to the nuclear sites or materials about which discussions are going on. According to Gharibabadi, Iran’s position is clear—the question of inspections will be considered only under a final agreement and after all sanctions are lifted.

Iran’s conditions for inspection

Clarifying its policy, Iran has said that IAEA access to nuclear sites will be ensured only when concrete and practical steps are taken to remove all sanctions imposed by the other party (US). IAEA chief Grassi recently hinted in Tokyo that the agency’s inspectors could visit Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites, which was considered a key part of the so-called interim agreement between the US and Iran. However, Iran’s latest statement has again cast doubt on this process.

Will the nuclear crisis deepen further?

This tough stand of Iran shows that it is in no mood to hurry in the nuclear matter. Iran’s move amid the ongoing interim talks with the US and its subsequent outcome ensures that it wants full control over its nuclear materials and sites. Experts believe that if no agreement is reached on inspections, the standoff between the IAEA and Iran may deepen, which may directly affect the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. At present, the world’s eyes are on whether a middle path can be found between Washington and Tehran or whether this dispute over nuclear inspection will drag on further.