Media: Iran nuclear inspections near restart as IAEA chief confirms inspectors’ arrival

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have returned to Iran and may soon resume full inspections of the country’s nuclear facilities.

This development follows indications from IAEA Director Rafael Grossi of significant progress in negotiations on a new “modality” designed to restore the UN nuclear watchdog’s operations in Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Speaking at a conference in the United States on August 26, Grossi stated, “The important thing boils down to the fact that the conversation is ongoing and that inspectors, unlike [what] many were saying, are going to return to Iran." Later that day, he confirmed the arrival of the first team of inspectors in the country.

The potential agreement between Tehran and the Vienna-based agency could avert a looming nuclear confrontation with Western powers. Europe has warned that it will reimpose UN sanctions on Iran by August 31 unless Tehran resumes full cooperation with the IAEA and reengages in talks with the United States.

“It is important that cooperation with the Agency has restarted,” a senior Iranian political source said. “Negotiations between Iran and the IAEA on a new modality, arrangement or framework continue and we are close to [finalizing] it.” The source added that inspectors are currently stationed in Bushehr, home to Iran’s sole operating nuclear power plant, underscoring the importance of maintaining fuel supply for the facility.

Since June, following Israeli military strikes on key nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, Iran has scaled back cooperation with the IAEA, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, the European trio—Britain, France, and Germany—has threatened to trigger the 2015 nuclear deal’s “snapback” mechanism, reinstating UN sanctions if Iran does not resume full collaboration.

A regional security source said that Tehran claims its nuclear materials are “buried under the rubble” after the bombings and currently lacks information on their safety or plans for recovery without security guarantees.

While Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out direct talks with the Trump administration, some Iranian officials remain open to dialogue if Washington guarantees no further attacks. However, there has been no indication of progress from the US side.

Meanwhile, Moscow is proposing a last-minute draft UN resolution to extend the sanctions “snapback” mechanism by six months, offering a possible path to de-escalation. Iran has shown reservations over the European proposal, partly due to concerns about losing leverage in future US negotiations and partly due to political optics favoring the UN over direct US engagement.

“Access to unattacked sites appears to be generally okay, but the government is waiting for final confirmation by the Supreme National Security Council,” a second senior Iranian source said. “With reference to bombed sites, there is a need to address safety and security concerns in the modality being negotiated with the IAEA.” The source confirmed inspectors are present and awaiting top-level approval to begin their activities.

By Vafa Guliyeva