Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed on June 27 the need for a “very robust verification system” to monitor Iran's nuclear program. He called for the agency to have full access to all relevant sites, noting that ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons is the main goal of the preliminary ceasefire agreement with the United States.
Speaking to reporters, Grossi said: “The Iranian government has stated very clearly that developing nuclear weapons is not their intention, but of course, intention alone is not enough. To have certainty, we need a very strong verification system as soon as it can be implemented.”
The United States and its Western allies have long warned that Iran's nuclear program could be aimed at developing weapons capability. Tehran has consistently denied this, asserting that its program is entirely for civilian purposes. However, Grossi emphasized: “The IAEA's position is not to judge intentions, but we also cannot accept everything just on the surface. We must verify everywhere.”
Inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities – which were struck by the United States and Israel during a 12-day war in June 2025 – have become a major sticking point as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations to reach a long-term peace agreement based on a 14-point memorandum signed earlier this month.
Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after the attacks last year. By September, Iran agreed to allow inspectors to return, and IAEA officials have visited some nuclear facilities. However, Iran has still not allowed access to nuclear sites that were bombed, and its enriched uranium stockpile has not been fully inventoried.
War of Words
Both the United States and Iran have made contradictory statements on the matter as negotiations continue toward a long-term ceasefire. The United States claims that inspections were fully agreed upon in the memorandum and subsequent discussions; conversely, Iran argues that discussions on the topic remain limited.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on June 25 that access to the attacked nuclear facilities and related materials would be considered and resolved “within the framework of a final agreement” with the United States. He emphasized that UN inspections depend on the United States taking concrete steps to lift all sanctions.
In response, US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's statements, asserting that Iran had agreed to “the highest level of nuclear inspections.” Grossi acknowledged an ongoing “war of words,” but pointed out that the memorandum clearly states the nuclear part of the agreement will be monitored by the IAEA. “Technical work has begun, and we hope to be there soon,” he said.
On timing, Grossi remarked that “whether we arrive in a week or two is not the decisive issue,” noting that the memorandum includes many other elements beyond the nuclear issue. The same day, Iran's Foreign Ministry once again denied allegations related to its nuclear program, calling it “peaceful” and urging Gulf Cooperation Council member states to cooperate with Tehran in establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia.
