‘As Soon as Possible’: UN Nuclear Chief Calls For Renewed Inspections as Iran Suspends Cooperation

Latest Developments

• IAEA Calls for Resumption of Inspections: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi called on Iran to allow the agency’s inspectors into its nuclear sites, which the UN nuclear watchdog claimed had sustained “enormous damage” due to the bombing campaign by Israel and the United States. “During a war, inspections are not possible. But now that hostilities have ceased, and given the sensitivity of this material, I believe it is in everyone’s interest that we resume our activities as soon as possible,” said Grossi. IAEA inspectors stayed in Iran during the war but last inspected the sites a few days before Israeli strikes began on June 13.
• Tehran Suspends Cooperation With IAEA: One day before Israel began Operation Rising Lion, the IAEA declared Iran in breach of its nuclear nonproliferation obligations and voted to censure the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials criticized the move and accused the IAEA and Grossi of helping Israel justify its operations. On June 26, Iran halted its cooperation with the IAEA following a vote by parliament the day before. Before the vote, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that the IAEA “has put its international credibility for sale,” warning that Iran will “move at a faster pace with the country’s peaceful nuclear program.”
• ‘We May Sign Agreement,’ Says Trump: President Donald Trump said that U.S. and Iranian negotiators will meet next week if the ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” he said. Iran has not yet acknowledged that any talks will take place. White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff remarked that the United States and Iran are “already talking to each other, not just directly, but also through interlocutors.”

FDD Expert Response

“In the event that it meets with Iranian leaders, the Trump administration should present the regime with a list of demands: allow the IAEA back in, turn over any missing highly enriched uranium, remain in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and agree to permanently and verifiably dismantle all remaining enrichment, weaponization, and missile delivery assets.” — Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

“As long as the Islamic Republic exists, its intention to pursue nuclear weapons will persist. Its refusal to allow IAEA inspections is part of a long series of actions to conceal its pursuit of a nuclear bomb, justifying recent and future military actions to prevent it from becoming a nuclear power. However, the permanent solution to this issue is putting an end to the regime.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Total Obliteration’: Trump Highlights Post-Strike Damage Assessments of Iran’s Nuclear Facilities,” FDD Flash Brief

“Grossi Played ‘Destructive Role’: Iranian Atomic Energy Chief Attacks IAEA Director General Over Israeli Strikes,” FDD Flash Brief

“IAEA Declares Iran in Breach of Nuclear Nonproliferation Obligations,” FDD Flash Brief