Iran Rejects Return of UN Nuclear Inspectors Amid U.S. Standoff

Grossi said in the report, circulated in Vienna on Friday and seen by Bloomberg News, that the agency had lost continuity of knowledge about Iran’s previously declared inventories of highly enriched uranium more than a year ago. The IAEA cannot conclude that no declared nuclear material has been diverted from peaceful activities, he wrote.

Iran had allowed some inspections in recent years, but barred access after U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country in June 2025. The IAEA is “fully prepared to resume its safeguards activities in Iran at short notice,” Grossi said, while noting that Tehran had rejected regular monitoring “under the present circumstances.”

In a report circulated among diplomats last week, Iran argued it was not obliged to permit monitoring and verification while facing the threat of U.S. attacks. In September, Grossi urged Tehran to engage constructively so the agency could fully implement safeguards and Iran could meet its responsibilities under the NPT Safeguards Agreement.

The nuclear issue is due to be discussed at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna next week. The dispute over inspections comes as Washington and Tehran remain far from a deal to ease the Middle East conflict and disruptions to energy supplies from the Persian Gulf.