Iran denounces 'political pressure' from nuclear watchdog over site access

Iran has labeled a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report as a "tool of political pressure," asserting that restricted access to its nuclear sites, which have been bombed, is the primary reason for inspection gaps. The IAEA, in a confidential report, stated that this lack of access constitutes a "proliferation concern" and urged Iran to resume verification activities without delay.

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If the agency wants to be part of a diplomatic solution, it must refrain from turning a technical report into a tool of political pressure.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X that if the IAEA wishes to be part of a diplomatic solution, it must avoid turning technical reports into instruments of political pressure. He highlighted that the Israeli-American strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were not only a violation of Iran's sovereignty but also a direct blow to nuclear safety. Gharibabadi argued that bombing safeguarded facilities, destroying the necessary access and safety for inspections, cannot then be used as a grievance against Iran.

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While the agency acknowledged that the military attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and sites have created an unprecedented situation, it is critical for the agency to conduct verification activities in Iran without delay.

Western countries, particularly the US and Israel, accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Iran consistently denies. The article notes that the IAEA has not condemned the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran cites security concerns as justification for refusing access to these sites, especially after US strikes in June 2025. The fate of approximately 440 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium, last seen by IAEA inspectors in June 2025, remains uncertain.

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One cannot bomb safeguarded facilities, destroy the access and safety necessary for inspections, and then use the consequences of that very attack as a grievance against Iran.