IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that the technical foundations for a diplomatic agreement were already in place. “The bases on which a diplomatic agreement could be concluded exist,” Grossi said.
Grossi urged all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts, saying the resumption of inspections depended on negotiations restarting. “The return of inspectors requires a return to the negotiating table,” Grossi said.
Iran sharply restricted the IAEA’s access following strikes against Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025.
The restrictions have limited the agency’s ability to verify nuclear material and monitor developments at affected facilities.
The IAEA estimated in March that slightly more than 200kg of uranium enriched to 60% remained at Isfahan, with additional material located at Natanz.
Uranium enriched to 60% is substantially above the level generally used for civilian nuclear power, increasing international concern about Iran’s nuclear activities.
The IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran’s alleged non-compliance to the UN Security Council in September. Iran has disputed the finding.
Grossi warned that the international system designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons depended on sustained communication and cooperation. “The global non-proliferation regime depends on dialogue,” Grossi said.
Grossi pointed to the IAEA’s work in Syria and Ukraine as examples of how technical engagement could continue despite conflict and political disagreements.
In Ukraine, the IAEA has helped broker eight localised ceasefires to allow damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to be repaired.
The agency has also deployed 287 missions since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Zaporizhzhia remains under Russian control and has repeatedly lost access to external power supplies, raising continuing concerns about nuclear safety.
Grossi said renewed negotiations involving Iran would be essential to restore inspections, clarify the status of enriched uranium and strengthen confidence in the peaceful nature of the nuclear programme.
The IAEA is seeking sufficient access to verify Iran’s declared nuclear material and ensure activities remain subject to international safeguards.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
