Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied U.S. claims that it agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors into the country. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran had not met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi and had made no arrangements for inspections of nuclear facilities that were damaged in U.S. and Israeli strikes. Baghaei emphasized that there is no protocol for such inspections.
The denial follows comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who stated in Switzerland that Iran's agreement to admit IAEA inspectors was a positive development. Vance described it as part of a 'good foundation' for a potential peace deal to end the ongoing conflict that began in late February.
Iranian officials, however, reported that nuclear issues were not part of the discussions in Switzerland and that Tehran had not accepted any new obligations. Future arrangements regarding access to damaged nuclear sites or Iran's enriched uranium stockpile would be determined through a separate mechanism during a 60-day negotiating window outlined in an existing memorandum of understanding.
Baghaei asserted that Iran's position reflects continuity rather than concession, noting that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran remains committed to its existing safeguard agreements. The ongoing dispute raises questions about what commitments Iran has made regarding its nuclear program. Dr. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, highlighted that IAEA inspections are limited to declared nuclear sites, meaning that if Iran does not declare a site, it cannot be inspected, even if there are suspicions of nuclear activity.