Iran says new IAEA deal grants no current access to nuclear sites

Iran has clarified that its newly signed agreement with the UN nuclear watchdog does not currently permit access by international inspectors to its nuclear facilities, emphasizing that any such access will be defined through future negotiations.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the terms of the recent agreement reached in Cairo with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, stating that the arrangement reflects Iran’s revised security posture following recent attacks on its nuclear infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

“Based on this agreement, no access is being granted to IAEA inspectors at the moment,” Araghchi said. “The nature and scope of inspectors’ access will be discussed in due course after Iran submits its reports, and any access will be negotiated at the appropriate time.”

The foreign minister underlined that the deal, which comes in the wake of heightened tensions and sabotage incidents at Iranian nuclear sites, aligns with a new legal framework passed by Iran’s parliament. He insisted that it does not, by itself, reopen facilities to international monitoring.

Araghchi further noted that the only ongoing inspection remains at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, citing operational requirements.

“No access is granted now except at the Bushehr power plant due to a fuel change. This access was approved by the Supreme National Security Council and is ongoing,” he said.

The foreign minister emphasized that Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA must reflect the changed geopolitical environment.

“A new situation was created after the attacks on our nuclear facilities. Cooperation cannot be the same as before and must take a new form,” he stated.

Araghchi described the agreement as a diplomatic win for Tehran. “The agreement has accepted Iran’s security concerns as legitimate, recognized Iran’s rights, and defines a new shape of cooperation with the Agency. This was exactly what we sought.”

He added that the future of the agreement depends on the actions of Western powers, warning that any attempt to reinstate UN sanctions would jeopardize the understanding.

By Vafa Guliyeva