International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has said that inspectors will gain access to Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities under the recently signed framework agreement between Tehran and Washington, contradicting statements from Iranian officials suggesting no such access has been planned.

Grossi’s remarks came amid growing differences between the IAEA and Iranian authorities over the implementation of the nuclear provisions contained in the agreement signed separately last week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The framework deal has initiated a 60-day period during which both sides are expected to negotiate a final peace agreement.

Grossi Points To Framework Agreement

Speaking to reporters at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday, Grossi said the memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran clearly provides for IAEA oversight of nuclear activities.

“I can understand political statements, they are part of the reality, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents,” Grossi said, according to EuroNews.

He added that the agreement explicitly mandates IAEA supervision of nuclear facilities and materials.

“The framework deal says explicitly that the nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regard to the nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA — in all letters,” Grossi said.

Emphasising that inspections were inevitable under the terms of the agreement, he stated, “Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen.”

Iran Rejects Immediate Access Claims

Grossi’s comments came after Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi indicated that there were currently no plans to grant access to facilities affected during the conflict or to nuclear materials.

In a post on X, Gharibabadi said no meeting had taken place with Grossi in Switzerland despite a request from the IAEA chief.

“In Switzerland, no meeting was held with Grossi, despite his request. There is also no program for access to the attacked facilities and nuclear materials,” he wrote.

The Iranian official further stated that such matters would only be addressed within the framework of a final agreement and after concrete steps were taken to lift sanctions.

According to Gharibabadi, “These issues will solely be examined and resolved within the framework of the final agreement and as a result of the other party’s practical action in terminating all sanctions and you cannot advance the ‘stir up and take over’ policy with media hype.”

Nuclear Oversight Likely To Be Key Negotiating Issue

The differing statements underscore one of the major issues likely to shape negotiations during the 60-day window established under the framework agreement.

While the IAEA maintains that the memorandum explicitly provides for international oversight and inspections of nuclear activities, Iranian officials have suggested that access to facilities and materials remains contingent on the terms of a future final agreement and progress on sanctions relief.

The question of inspections and verification is expected to remain a central component of discussions as Washington and Tehran work towards a broader settlement following the recent conflict.

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