The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has insisted that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran to end their conflict in the Middle East must include robust verification measures for Iran's nuclear programme. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed on Wednesday that without such mechanisms, any deal would be an illusion.
His remarks come as US President Donald Trump indicated that a second round of talks with Iran could take place within days, following an initial round in Pakistan last weekend that failed to produce an agreement. The White House cited Iran's nuclear ambitions as a key sticking point, though an Iranian diplomatic official anonymously denied that the talks had faltered over that issue.
Grossi emphasised that Iran's extensive nuclear activities would require the full presence of IAEA inspectors. Iran has not permitted the IAEA access to its nuclear facilities that were bombed by Israel and the United States during a 12-day war in June, according to a confidential IAEA report circulated in February. The agency stated it cannot verify whether Iran has suspended enrichment-related activities or determine the size of its uranium stockpile at the affected sites.
The IAEA maintains that Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a short technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Grossi has previously stated that this stockpile could enable Iran to build up to ten nuclear bombs if it decides to weaponise its programme. The IAEA guidelines require such highly enriched material to be verified monthly.
