Iran Opens Door for Inspectors Under New Deal

The latest agreement between the United States and Iran has paved a path for international inspectors to enter the country, according to the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The deal was reached after Tehran had said it would keep key facilities closed until a final agreement and the removal of sanctions were confirmed.

Last week, both sides signed a memorandum that allows them 60 days to discuss remaining problems, including the nuclear program. Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated that inspectors would not be allowed to enter at this time, but the IAEA chief insisted that inspections are a necessary part of the agreement and must happen.

During a press conference in Japan, the agency’s director emphasized that the organization needs to verify Iran’s compliance. He noted that inspectors will first check whether seals on previously examined materials are still intact and if any material has disappeared. “Words alone aren’t enough; we need a solid verification system,” he added.

Iran has not yet told the IAEA how much enriched uranium it still holds or where it is located after attacks from the United States and Israel. The agency estimates that before the conflict, Iran had about 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent. If this material is further processed, it could produce enough fissile material for roughly ten nuclear weapons.

The IAEA’s chief hopes to conduct inspections soon and is preparing for the visit. The organization has already had preliminary talks with Iranian officials about technical details, setting the stage for a thorough review once access is granted.