IAEA Demands Robust Verification of Iran's Nuclear Programme Amid US-Iran 'Statement War'
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has called for a "very strong system of verification" to monitor Iran's nuclear activities, as conflicting public statements from the United States and Iran continue to cloud the future of their ceasefire and nuclear negotiations.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that any lasting agreement must include credible international inspections capable of confirming the status of Iran's nuclear facilities and enriched uranium stockpile. According to Grossi, verification—not political declarations—is the only way to establish confidence that nuclear commitments are being honored.
The comments come as Washington and Tehran continue presenting different interpretations of their interim ceasefire framework. While US officials have indicated that international inspections are part of the current understanding, Iranian officials have suggested that access to some sensitive nuclear sites will depend on progress toward a broader agreement and sanctions relief.
A central concern for the IAEA remains Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and maintaining continuity of knowledge over nuclear materials after months of limited access to some facilities. Grossi said inspectors must be able to verify seals, inventories and nuclear material to ensure transparency throughout the negotiation process.