Vienna: Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has issued a grave warning to Tehran, stressing that only a limited window remains to reach an agreement that would allow nuclear inspections in Iran to resume. Speaking in Vienna after days of delicate negotiations, Grossi underscored that the international community is running out of patience and that Iran’s cooperation is essential to avert further escalation.
Grossi said discussions with Iranian representatives have shown some progress, but he admitted the clock is ticking. “There is still time, but not much,” he noted, adding that a breakthrough is possible if all sides act in good faith and accept their responsibilities under international law. His remarks reflected mounting international concern that Iran’s pause in cooperation with the IAEA could undermine the global non-proliferation regime.
The suspension of inspections came in the wake of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, an event that provoked Tehran to tighten restrictions on international oversight. Following the attacks, Iran’s parliament passed new legislation requiring its Supreme National Security Council to approve any further access by IAEA inspectors. This step has slowed negotiations and raised doubts about Tehran’s willingness to fully comply with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Adding to the pressure, the European trio France, Germany, and Britain activated the so-called “snapback” mechanism last week. This move has set in motion a 30-day countdown that could see the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran if it fails to reopen its nuclear sites to inspectors, provide a full account of its uranium stockpiles, and return to talks with Washington. The E3 nations argue that Iran’s actions have breached commitments made under previous nuclear agreements and that only immediate transparency can restore confidence.
Iran, meanwhile, has described the ongoing talks with the IAEA as “positive” but has avoided setting a clear timetable for next steps. Officials in Tehran say the proposals are under review by the relevant authorities, signaling that any decision will ultimately rest with the country’s highest security bodies. This ambiguity has further fueled concerns among diplomats that time is being lost while political maneuvering continues.
For Grossi and the IAEA, the stakes are high. Without timely access, inspectors fear critical information about Iran’s nuclear program could be lost, potentially obscuring the true extent of uranium enrichment activities. Grossi emphasized that verification is not a luxury but a legal obligation that ensures global security. “The modalities may be technical,” he said, “but the principle is fundamental: verification must be continuous, credible, and unhindered.”
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive. If Iran fails to deliver on its promises, the combined weight of UN sanctions, European pressure, and Washington’s stance could push the standoff into uncharted territory, with implications for both regional stability and global energy markets.