IAEA partially resumes nuclear inspections in Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the partial resumption of its inspections in Iran, following a period of restricted access to several key nuclear facilities.

Speaking to Russia 24 television, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi revealed that while monitoring activities have restarted at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, access to several sites damaged in recent military strikes remains obstructed.

“The inspections have resumed in part, including at Bushehr,” Grossi stated. “However, we are still being denied entry to facilities that were impacted during the Israeli and American airstrikes.”

The renewed, albeit limited, inspections come amid heightened scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tensions escalated earlier this year following strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian infrastructure. The IAEA has since faced persistent barriers in verifying the status of Iran’s nuclear material, particularly at sensitive locations.

In a related development, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright reiterated Washington’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear activities. On September 15, Wright called on Tehran to “completely cease the development of its nuclear program” and “dismantle all uranium enrichment capabilities.” He stressed that Iran must offer “full cooperation with the IAEA” in line with its international obligations.

Adding to the concerns, reports from late August indicated that the IAEA had not received any official information regarding the possible relocation of nuclear material from a facility in Isfahan following US strikes in June. The lack of transparency has fueled international apprehension over Iran’s compliance with nuclear safeguards.

Meanwhile, Tehran has laid out preliminary conditions for the possible resumption of nuclear talks with Washington. 

By Vafa Guliyeva