IAEA chief calls for robust Iran nuclear inspections amid post-war talks

TOKYO: The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog on Friday called for a “very strong” verification system in Iran, stressing that Tehran’s stated intentions are insufficient to guarantee it is not developing atomic weapons.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi’s remarks came as the United States and Iran pursue a broader post-conflict agreement, with Iran’s nuclear program remaining a central point of contention, according to reports.

“I think the objective of this agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention,” Grossi told reporters in Japan . “But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place as soon as is practicable.”

Grossi said the IAEA has only “barely initiated” discussions with Iranian officials following a preliminary agreement with the United States regarding Tehran’s uranium stockpile. He said initial conversations have taken place and that the agency expects the work to accelerate soon .

Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA in July 2025 under a law passed by its parliament following a 12-day war with Israel. Tehran has consistently denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons while asserting its right to a full civilian nuclear program .

The IAEA’s verification role involves independent inspection and monitoring to confirm that a country’s nuclear activities remain peaceful in nature. Resuming meaningful cooperation with the agency is widely seen as a prerequisite for any credible post-war nuclear arrangement.