Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on August 18, that Tehran will resume talks with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with another round of negotiations expected “in the coming days,” according to spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. While signaling a willingness to maintain dialogue, Baghaei offered few specifics on format or timelines.
This renewed engagement follows weeks of strained relations and limited cooperation. Earlier in July, Iran passed a law suspending unfettered collaboration with the IAEA, mandating that all future inspections receive approval from its Supreme National Security Council. Inspectors have been unable to access several key nuclear sites since June, when U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure amid heightened conflict in the region.
Baghaei framed the IAEA’s May 31 report, warning of Iran’s shortcomings on non-proliferation as having paved the way, in his view, for subsequent airstrikes. Yet, he insisted that despite reduced access, Iran’s communications with the agency remain direct: “We had talks (with the IAEA) last week. These talks will continue and there will be another round of talks between Iran and the agency probably in the coming days,” Baghaei said.
Last week, IAEA Deputy Director General Massimo Aparo visited Tehran, a step described as an initial technical exchange rather than a return to site inspections, reflecting the complex logistics and legal constraints now governing oversight.
As this new round of talks looms, Tehran hints at conditional engagement: some officials suggest it may take steps to reassure the international community of its nuclear program’s peaceful intent, but only if sanctions are eased.
