Iran may accept US IAEA inspectors if nuclear deal advances

Wednesday 28 May 2025 - 11:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

Iran may accept US IAEA inspectors if nuclear deal advances

Iran signaled it could permit U.S. inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its nuclear facilities if negotiations with Washington lead to a new agreement. The statement was made by Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, during a press conference in Tehran.

The potential concession comes as Iran and the United States prepare for a sixth round of talks aimed at resolving long-standing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism, hinting at forthcoming "good news."

Eslami emphasized that inspectors from adversarial nations are typically restricted, but this policy might shift if a nuclear agreement is achieved. “It is standard to deny access to inspectors from hostile countries, but we may consider allowing American personnel affiliated with the IAEA to inspect our sites under a finalized deal,” he said.

The main point of contention remains uranium enrichment. The U.S. argues that Iran’s enrichment capabilities could serve as a pathway to nuclear weapons and must be entirely dismantled. Iran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and considers its enrichment program non-negotiable.

“Enrichment is the backbone of our nuclear industry,” Eslami noted. “It’s like allowing someone to operate a power grid but denying them the right to build a power plant.”