The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced that its inspectors will visit Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites a critical step in the interim deal aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. This development comes as tensions remain high following Israel’s 12-day war on Iran in 2026.

Rafael Mariano Grossi the head of the IAEA, made the announcement during a news conference at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. His statement provides clarity amid a war of words between the U.S. and Iran over the inspection process.

IAEA Inspections: A Key Component of the Interim Deal

Grossi emphasized that the inspections are a mandatory part of the interim deal which was signed by both U.S. and Iranian presidents. The accord explicitly states that the IAEA will supervise nuclear activities at Iran’s material facilities. “Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect,” Grossi stated, adding that the timing of the inspections, whether in a few days or weeks, is not as crucial as the fact that they will happen.

The inspections are vital for the deal’s success, as they will ensure that Iran’s uranium stockpile is downblended from highly enriched levels. This process is essential for reducing the risk of Iran potentially developing nuclear weapons. Despite Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is peaceful, the country has enriched uranium to 60% purity a level typically associated with weapons development.

Challenges and Contradictions

While the IAEA has been allowed to visit other nuclear sites in Iran, such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant it has been blocked from accessing enrichment sites since the 2026 war. This limitation has raised concerns among nonproliferation experts, who worry that Iran may be moving its uranium stockpile to undeclared locations.

Adding to the complexity, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that U.N. inspectors were not scheduled to examine nuclear sites bombed by the U.S. last year. This contradicts earlier comments made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance highlighting the ongoing tensions and misunderstandings between the two nations.

The Fragile Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions

The interim deal, agreed upon last week, calls for Iran to dilute its uranium stockpile and for the U.S. to waive sanctions on Iranian oil. However, the ceasefire has already been tested, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz due to fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. While violence in Lebanon flared up again on Tuesday, it did not escalate further.

Technical-level talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume early next week at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, with Pakistan serving as a key mediator. These talks will be crucial in hammering out broader agreements and ensuring the success of the interim deal.

U.S. Secretary of State’s Middle East Tour

Grossi’s remarks coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio‘s arrival in the Persian Gulf for a three-nation tour. Rubio began his visit with a closed-door meeting and private working lunch in Abu Dhabi with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is scheduled to travel next to Kuwait and then Bahrain for meetings with their leaders later this week.

As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the IAEA’s inspections and the ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran will be critical in determining the region’s future stability.