Vienna: The head of the UN nuclear watchdog in a statement on Tuesday urged the resumption of inspections in Iran, calling the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) verification work 'indispensable' following US airstrikes that damaged several of Iran's nuclear sites.
According to Anadolu Agency, IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi welcomed US President Donald Trump's Israel-Iran ceasefire announcement. Grossi emphasized the importance of resuming cooperation with the IAEA, stating that it is crucial for achieving a successful agreement. He expressed his intent to engage in dialogue with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, highlighting that cooperation could lead to a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
The comments by Grossi came after the US intervened in the armed conflict between Israel and Iran, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities with bunker-buster bombs. Grossi underscored the necessity for IAEA inspectors to continue their work in Iran, which includes verifying the status of 400 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, stressing that a cessation of hostilities is essential for this process.
Grossi also detailed preliminary findings from the recent US strikes, noting that while craters were observed at the Fordo facility, the extent of underground damage remained uncertain. He reported that additional buildings were hit at Isfahan, affecting tunnel entrances and uranium conversion areas. The Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant was reportedly targeted with ground-penetrating munitions.
In a related development, Iran's parliament passed a bill aimed at limiting cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. As reported by the state-affiliated Nournews, the legislation requires approval from the unelected Guardian Council to become law and would make future inspections by the IAEA contingent upon authorization from Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
This escalation follows Israel's airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, on June 13. Israel accused Tehran of nearing the production of a nuclear bomb, a claim strongly denied by Iran. In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes, prompting US intervention with the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites.
After 12 days of intense aerial combat between Israel and Iran, President Trump announced a ceasefire on Monday, aiming to bring an end to the conflict between the two regional adversaries.