Trump Claims Iran Will Allow IAEA Inspections, Iran Denies

During recent negotiations in Switzerland, officials confirmed that the topic of inspections was discussed, despite Iranian denials. The proposal under consideration would grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—the United Nations’ nuclear inspection arm—broad authority to inspect potentially suspect sites on short notice. This idea, originally discussed in Geneva in February during talks between Iranians and Americans, had resurfaced at the Swiss resort as the negotiations progressed.

The IAEA’s Secretary-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, moved between halls and negotiating rooms to speak directly with both parties. He outlined the level of access his inspection teams would require to verify that no nuclear fuel was being diverted for weapons programs, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions. While Iranian officials expressed tentative agreement to the concept, they insisted that specific dates and details be postponed until other elements of the accord—such as the release of frozen funds—were finalized.

When White House National Security Advisor Jake Vance announced on Monday that Tehran had agreed to allow IAEA inspectors into sites—labeling it “the first step” toward preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon—Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, immediately countered. Baghaei stated that there were no current plans to permit inspection access to facilities in Isfahan, Natanz or Fordo—sites that were bombed by the United States a year ago—and that no imminent schedule existed.

This prompted President Trump to remark on Tuesday that the absence of inspections would render any accord meaningless. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a more cautious tone.

“I don’t understand why they have to say the things they say,” Rubio told reporters in Abu Dhabi, where he was starting a Gulf tour to rally support for the deal. He acknowledged the complexities of Iran’s internal politics, adding, “I guess they’ll navigate it. But we know what they agreed to do, and now they’ll either do it or they won’t.” He continued, “President Trump will have some decisions to make.”

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