IAEA inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since Tehran suspended cooperation following Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites in June. Their arrival, approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, marks a break in the standoff, though no formal agreement on inspection modalities has been struck. The inspectors are currently overseeing the fuel replacement at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, signaling cautious steps toward renewed oversight.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that while inspectors are back, a new cooperation framework remains pending: “no draft for a new cooperation modality with the IAEA has been finalised or approved.” The inspections are proceeding under the strict conditions set by the June law requiring Security Council approval.
The return of inspectors follows high-stakes meetings between Iran and the European trio—France, Britain, and Germany—in Geneva, where Western diplomats warned they may trigger the “snapback” of UN sanctions if Iran fails to comply with inspection and transparency requirements by the end of August.
The snapback mechanism, rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, would reimpose sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement. Russia has proposed delaying the reimposition for six months to allow for diplomacy, but Europe insists on verification before such leniency is granted.
This return of IAEA inspectors comes against a backdrop of deteriorated trust. Iran had severed ties with the agency in July, citing concerns over safety and sovereignty following the bombings. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described forthcoming talks with the IAEA as “technical” and “complicated,” and insisted that any cooperation must fully respect Iran’s sovereignty.
Yet Iran’s detente remains fragile. Western officials continue to question the transparency of Iran’s uranium enrichment program which has reportedly reached 60% purity, and the fate of its stockpiles. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, whose redeployment of inspectors has been a top priority, reaffirmed the urgency of resuming verification, even as his personal safety is now bolstered by 24/7 protection due to threats tied to Iran.
