IAEA says Iran nuclear inspections to proceed despite objections

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Wednesday insisted that nuclear inspections in Iran will proceed despite Tehran's objections, pointing to explicit provisions in the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Speaking at a news conference at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Grossi rejected Iran's denials that it had agreed to such measures.

The agreement "says explicitly that the nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regards to the nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA — in all letters," Grossi told reporters. "Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it's important, but not essential. This is going to happen," he added.

US backs verification

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Iranian claims that no visits were scheduled for IAEA inspectors, insisting that inspectors will enter the country "at an appropriate time." His remarks followed an announcement by US Vice President JD Vance that Iran had agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country.

Trump told reporters that the memorandum explicitly provides for inspections, contradicting Tehran's public statements on the matter.

14-point accord

The United States and Iran remotely signed the 14-point document last week, launching a 60-day negotiating window to resolve disputes over Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile and nuclear program. The accord mandates an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts including Lebanon, lifting of the naval blockade on Iran, and guaranteed safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The agreement also includes a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran valued at a minimum of $300 billion, oil export waivers, the release of frozen assets, and a reaffirmation by Tehran that it will not develop nuclear weapons.