In brief
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed that inspectors will visit Iranian sites, a move that follows the latest US‑Iran peace accord. The agreement mandates the dilution of Iran’s enriched uranium under IAEA oversight, though Iran’s deputy foreign minister insists access to damaged facilities will come only after a final deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured Gulf allies that the deal will not threaten their security. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and a temporary lifting of the naval blockade are also part of the agreement, amid falling oil prices. The IAEA remains unable to ascertain Iran’s stockpile size, as inspectors have yet to access key facilities.
International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi confirmed that inspectors will visit Iranian sites under the newly signed deal with the United States. "The inspections will indeed take place," Grossi told reporters in Japan, adding that the agency would soon determine dates, procedures and locations.
The agreement explicitly states that Iran will dilute its highly enriched uranium in a process supervised by the IAEA. However, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said access to damaged nuclear facilities and material would only be discussed within a final framework with the US.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan before heading to Kuwait and Bahrain to reassure Gulf allies that any agreement would not undermine their security. "We will be aligned with our partners in the Gulf," Rubio told reporters in Kuwait City.
The initial US‑Iran memorandum of understanding also requires Iran to allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. On Wednesday Brent crude fell below $75 a barrel for the first time since the war on Iran began.
According to the IAEA, inspectors visited Bushehr nuclear power plant this month but did not access the bombed facilities at Isfahan. The agency cannot determine the size or whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which is believed to be stored in underground tunnels.
International negotiations continue while the 14‑point memorandum promises a final deal within 60 days. The IAEA remains ready to supervise the dilution and other nuclear activities as agreed, ensuring compliance with non‑proliferation standards.
