IAEA chief says Iran nuclear inspections 'going to happen' without specific timeline

Key facts

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that inspections at Iranian atomic sites were 'going to happen' but did not offer a specific timeline.
• The statement followed a preliminary deal signed between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending the Middle East war, which cited IAEA involvement in next steps on Iran's nuclear programme.
• Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that no agreement had been reached on IAEA inspections of sites bombed by the United States and Israel.
• Since US-Israeli bombardments in June 2025, uncertainty has surrounded the status of hundreds of kilograms of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
• Iran agreed in September to allow IAEA inspectors to return after settling on a new framework, and IAEA officials have visited the country, including a visit to the Bushehr nuclear power plant.