IEA Grossi says IAEA cannot inspect Iran while hostilities ongoing

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has stated that the agency cannot conduct inspections in Iran while hostilities remain active, citing safety and security concerns for inspectors and the integrity of nuclear safeguards. Recent technical discussions between the IAEA and Iran have highlighted progress in addressing inspection challenges, but ongoing conflicts since June 2025 have severely limited access to critical nuclear sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were damaged in military strikes according to IAEA reports. Grossi emphasized that Iran's compliance with its Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations requires unimpeded inspections to verify the peaceful use of nuclear materials, particularly uranium enriched to 60% fissile content as stated in a June 2025 address.

The IAEA has documented significant risks to nuclear safety following attacks on enrichment facilities and research reactors, including chemical contamination and potential radiological hazards if protective measures fail in a separate statement. While inspectors visited the Tehran Research Reactor last week, access to key sites remains restricted, complicating efforts to ensure transparency according to Haaretz reporting. Grossi reiterated that military escalation threatens not only regional stability but also global non-proliferation efforts, urging diplomatic solutions to restore inspections and mitigate economic and environmental risks.

Iran's foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to NPT obligations, citing recent inspections as evidence of cooperation, but tensions persist over access to facilities and information sharing as reported by Haaretz. Analysts note that prolonged disruptions to IAEA monitoring could heighten market volatility, as geopolitical uncertainties impact energy markets and investor confidence in regional stability. The IAEA continues to advocate for a resumption of inspections once conditions allow, stressing the need for technical dialogue to rebuild trust and prevent further destabilization in a recent statement.