Rafael Grossi Says 'Technical Inspections' of Nuclear Facilities Are Non-Negotiable

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, who is visiting Iran for the first time since the presidency of Masoud Pezeshkian, stated that membership in the NPT does not exempt countries from regular and periodic technical inspections, which is not open for discussion. On Thursday, November 24, Grossi held talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and is scheduled to meet with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Prior to this visit, Grossi had repeatedly expressed concern over the continuous increase in the amount of enriched uranium in Iran. Grossi stated that 'the maneuvering space for Iran is narrowing.' After his meeting with Eslami, he clearly stated that 'the fact that the Agency inspects a country that has accepted the NPT does not mean that the country should also be rewarded.' In this joint press conference, Grossi emphasized that 'verification must be applied to all countries. The Agency must have the opportunity to conduct inspections, especially for Iran, which seeks to reach a solid agreement with the international community.' He added that 'inspections constitute a chapter of our relations that is non-negotiable and must be carried out, but the next chapter of technical cooperation must be conducted through interaction.' Grossi also expressed dissatisfaction that Iran does not allow the entry of IAEA inspectors and is unwilling to discuss outstanding questions regarding its clandestine nuclear activities. Before his trip to Tehran, Grossi had hoped that resuming negotiations would help restore previous agreements and ensure complete transparency between the two sides. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced during his meeting with Grossi that Tehran is ready to cooperate and align with the IAEA to 'clarify ambiguities and doubts' surrounding Iran's nuclear activities. Pezeshkian also claimed that the Islamic Republic is 'precisely' seeking the frameworks and legal permissions of the IAEA in its nuclear technology. After meeting with Grossi, Eslami warned that any 'interventionist' action in Iran's nuclear affairs would be met with an immediate and reciprocal response from Tehran, especially with the upcoming meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors. Eslami emphasized the readiness to continue negotiations, stating that Iran's nuclear programs 'will not be pressured.' He added that Tehran will pursue its 'peaceful' nuclear program within its interests. These statements come after Reuters reported that European powers are seeking to issue a new resolution against Iran at the upcoming IAEA Board meeting due to its lack of cooperation with the agency. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the bilateral talks as 'important and candid.' He emphasized Iran's continued cooperation as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty with the IAEA. Araghchi reiterated that 'Iran has never left the negotiating table' and emphasized Tehran's readiness to continue discussions 'based on national interests' and free from 'pressure and intimidation.' He noted an agreement with Grossi to continue the path 'based on strong will and goodwill,' stating, 'Now it is the turn of the European Union and the three European countries in the JCPOA.' Under the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA, Iran had agreed to reduce the extent of its nuclear program, including the amount and concentration of uranium enrichment, in exchange for the lifting of Western sanctions. However, the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the imposition of new sanctions against Tehran coinciding with Donald Trump's rise to power in 2018 led to Tehran gradually distancing itself from its JCPOA commitments. Iran has increased its uranium enrichment level to 60%, raising its total enriched uranium stockpile to over 6,000 kilograms, which has fueled speculation about Tehran's move towards military nuclear technology and efforts to produce nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic has also severely limited its cooperation with the IAEA, accusing its inspectors of espionage and leaking information to the U.S. and Israel. With the change of government in Iran following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Grossi hopes that his visit to Tehran will help reduce the chill in relations between the two sides. However, the unprecedented cooling of relations between Iran and the European Union in recent months, coupled with Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, poses serious challenges to the possibility of a renewed agreement between global powers and Tehran regarding its nuclear program.