Tehran: In a significant development for global nuclear oversight, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors conducted visits to multiple nuclear facilities in Iran last week, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry. The announcement comes shortly after the IAEA called on Tehran to “seriously improve” its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh emphasized that Iran, as a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT), continues to honor its international commitments. He confirmed inspections at several sites, explicitly mentioning the Tehran Research Reactor, while withholding the names of other facilities. The statement reflects Tehran’s attempt to showcase compliance amid ongoing scrutiny.
The visits follow a period of heightened tension in the region, particularly after hostilities between Iran and Israel escalated in June. During this period, several Iranian sites including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were reportedly targeted in bombings attributed to U.S. operations, drawing international concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The IAEA had previously indicated it was denied access to some of these critical sites, highlighting the ongoing verification challenges.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi recently stressed the need for Iran to fully cooperate with inspectors to prevent further escalation and to maintain credibility in the eyes of the international community. Tehran, however, has accused the agency of facilitating justifications for Israel’s military actions during the 12-day conflict earlier this year, reflecting a deepening trust deficit between the parties.
Experts note that these inspections carry multiple implications. For Iran, confirming inspector visits is a strategic signal of adherence to treaty obligations, potentially strengthening its diplomatic stance. For the IAEA and Western nations, ensuring comprehensive and transparent access remains a priority to accurately monitor nuclear activities. The balance between inspection compliance and strategic opacity will likely influence future negotiations and regional security dynamics.
As global attention remains focused on the Middle East, further updates from both the IAEA and Iranian authorities will be closely monitored to assess whether these visits translate into meaningful verification and cooperation, which are vital for regional stability and non-proliferation objectives.