Key points
- Iran and the IAEA reach technical agreement to resume nuclear inspections
- The accord emerged amid European pressure and ongoing “snap-back” sanction threats
- Iran conditions cooperation on its Supreme National Security Council’s approval
ISLAMABAD: Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have reached a new agreement in Cairo to resume nuclear inspections, aligning Iran’s domestic security concerns with its international obligations.
Warning of potential cooperation collapse if sanctions are reinstated, Iran says the implementation of the accord would be subject to approval of its National Supreme Council.
For months, in the background of the latest agreement, Iran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA following U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear infrastructure in June, which caused significant damage. In July, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally enacted a law to halt inspections unless approved by the Supreme National Security Council, citing sovereignty and security considerations, according to Reuters and AP News. Since then, inspectors had limited access—most recently only to the Bushehr facility. Continued pressure from the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK), invoking the 2015 nuclear deal’s “snap-back” clause, demanded resumption of full inspections.
Agreement details, conditions
In a meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a technical cooperation framework, allowing inspections to resume, though specific site protocols remain undisclosed. Araghchi emphasized the agreement reconciles Iran’s safeguard obligations with its security constraints and underpins domestic legal mandates, including the requirement for approval by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Sticking points, geopolitical pressure
The agreement arrives amid Europe’s attempts to reimpose UN sanctions. The E3 countries have initiated the snap-back process, arguing Iran must fully account for its near-weapons-grade uranium and re-engage in nuclear talks. Iran responded that any hostile measures, especially the reimposition of sanctions, would end its cooperation under the new framework. The IAEA and Tehran both framed the deal as a positive step, but key diplomatic challenges remain unresolved.
Verification, compliance questions
While the deal signals progress, its effectiveness hinges on implementation details. The IAEA has not yet confirmed the scope of inspections—particularly whether sensitive or damaged sites will be accessible. AP News noted that Iran had only allowed one inspection since suspending cooperation.
After Iran accepted strict limits on uranium enrichment under the 2016 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the E3 powers — France, Germany, and the UK — lifted most UN sanctions. However, when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, the agreement began to unravel. Since then, Iran has gradually expanded enrichment activities, insisting these remain for peaceful purposes, while pointing to Washington’s breach of commitments as the main obstacle to full cooperation.
