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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called for the urgent resumption of inspections of Iran's nuclear program in his address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Emphasizing that diplomatic solutions are possible only through technical verification on the ground, the agency urged Iranian authorities to allow inspectors to return to the country.

Speaking at the UN Security Council session in New York, Director General Grossi stated that IAEA inspectors, who had been withdrawn for security reasons following the military attacks that began in June 2025, had been ready to resume their duties for several months.

Concerns over 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium

During his speech, Grossi drew attention to uncertainty surrounding Iran's previously declared stockpile of 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, stressing that IAEA inspectors must urgently be granted access to the facilities to verify the current status of this material.

The IAEA chief noted that inspections had been disrupted at the enrichment facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, as well as at the Khondab Heavy Water Reactor, which were affected by military attacks. He emphasized that legal obligations cannot be suspended unilaterally. Grossi stated that the only exception in the country was the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, where inspection activities continued through constructive cooperation.

"Nothing can replace physical access and inspections"

Grossi reported that the IAEA had detected no reconstruction activity at facilities damaged in the attacks of 2025 and 2026 through satellite observations and monitoring systems. Nevertheless, he stated, "Nothing can replace physical access to facilities to verify the actual situation."

The IAEA recalled that the "Cairo Agreement," signed through Egyptian mediation to keep diplomatic channels with Iran open, provided a practical framework for dialogue. The agency also expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of countries including Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt.

"Diplomacy and technical verification are the only way forward"

Recalling that the nuclear non-proliferation regime is a cornerstone of international security, Director General Grossi concluded his address with the following words: "In the long term, only diplomacy supported by IAEA verification can prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, both in Iran and around the world. The IAEA stands ready to carry out its mission. Let us seize this opportunity."