UN nuclear chief says Iran inspections will happen , Tehran says after deal

What Happened

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on March 19, 2025, that nuclear inspections in Iran 'are going to happen,' citing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last week between the US and Iran that 'explicitly' provides for IAEA supervision of nuclear activities. Grossi added that inspection dates and locations are being discussed with Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on X that inspections are contingent on a final agreement with the US and the 'practical action in terminating all sanctions.' Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there was 'no clear schedule' for examining sites attacked by the US and Israel in a 12-day war last year, after which Iran passed a law suspending IAEA cooperation in July. In September, Iran agreed to allow inspectors to return, but access to bombed sites has been denied. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said technical talks would resume in Switzerland on June 29 or 30.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The dispute over IAEA inspections threatens to undermine the 60-day negotiation window following the US–Iran MoU. Iran’s conditioning of inspector access on sanctions relief echoes past JCPOA standoffs and raises non‑proliferation concerns, especially given unrepaired sites attacked by the US and Israel. The talks’ success or collapse will shape regional stability, sanctions architecture, and the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Watch For

Resumption of technical talks on June 29 or 30 as stated by Rubio; any IAEA report or board meeting addressing Iran’s compliance and denied access; announcement of inspection dates or visits to previously off‑limits sites; US sanctions moves or waivers; statements from E3, Israel, or Gulf states reacting to the diplomatic track.