IAEA Chief Expects Iran to Allow Inspections Under New MOU
"The technical work has begun, and we hope to be present in Iran soon."
— Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General
Tokyo – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated on Thursday in Tokyo that he expects Iran to permit IAEA inspectors to visit its nuclear sites.
Grossi explicitly referred to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 17 by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He noted that the MOU stipulates the nuclear component of the agreement will be supervised by the IAEA, and that such supervision inherently requires on-site inspections.
"The MOU specifies the nuclear component will be supervised by the IAEA. That supervision requires inspections," Grossi said.
The IAEA chief emphasized that technical preparations are already underway. He stated that the agency hopes to be present in Iran very soon, underlining the necessity of a robust verification system to ensure compliance.
Key Takeaways:
- The June 17 MOU between the U.S. and Iran designates the IAEA as the supervisory body for nuclear activities.
- Grossi confirmed that technical work has commenced.
- The IAEA expects to deploy inspectors to Iranian nuclear facilities in the near future.
- A strong verification mechanism is deemed essential by the agency.