TEHRAN, June 24 (ANI) — Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Wednesday rejected comments made by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), insisting that inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities will only be considered after a final agreement is reached between Tehran and Washington.
Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on X in response to statements by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who earlier indicated that United Nations inspectors would soon be able to visit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.
Rejecting those assertions, Gharibabadi said no discussions had taken place with Grossi regarding access to the facilities.
“No meeting was held with Grossi in Switzerland, despite his request. Nor is there any plan for access to the facilities that were attacked or to nuclear material,” he wrote.
The deputy foreign minister said decisions regarding inspections of damaged nuclear sites and related materials would be addressed only within the framework of a comprehensive agreement with the United States.
“These issues will be reviewed and decided only within the framework of a final agreement and as a result of practical action by the other side to end all sanctions and other measures,” Gharibabadi said.
He maintained that any resumption of U.N. monitoring activities would depend on concrete steps by other parties to lift sanctions.
“You cannot advance the ‘stir up and take over’ policy with media hype,” he added.
Gharibabadi’s remarks directly contradicted statements made earlier by Grossi during a visit to Japan.
Speaking at a news conference at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Grossi pointed to the existence of a memorandum of understanding signed by the presidents of both countries.
“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 Grossi, the agreement explicitly provides for IAEA oversight of nuclear activities involving Iranian nuclear materials and facilities.
“The accord 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,” he said.
Grossi added that inspections would eventually take place, although the exact timing remains uncertain.
“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,” he said.
The inspection process is considered a key element of the proposed diplomatic framework, which includes provisions requiring Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium to be reduced from higher enrichment levels.
The IAEA plays a central role in verifying the status of Iran’s nuclear inventory and monitoring compliance with any future agreement.
Verification efforts have faced significant challenges since a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in 2025, after which Tehran restricted IAEA access to several enrichment facilities.
Western officials have expressed concern over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
Iran remains the only country currently enriching uranium to 60 percent purity without operating a declared nuclear weapons program.
The latest exchange follows conflicting statements from both Washington and Tehran regarding the timing and scope of future inspections.
Grossi acknowledged the tensions surrounding the issue, describing the current situation as a “war of words.” (ANI)
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