Iran says it will not allow UN nuclear inspectors to visit key nuclear sites damaged in last year’s US-Israeli strikes, contradicting claims by senior US officials. Iran’s position is presented as part of broader diplomatic efforts to end the wider Middle East conflict and restart negotiations involving Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. According to reports, Iran tells the UN nuclear watchdog—the IAEA—that inspectors will not be able to inspect facilities affected by the strikes. Iran denies a US vice president’s assertion that Tehran agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back, saying it has not met with the IAEA director general and has no plans for inspections of nuclear facilities damaged by US and Israeli military action.
The statements come as talks to secure a broader peace arrangement and a nuclear deal move forward. Reporting links the issue to a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States ending aspects of the conflict, with a defined period for further negotiations. Other diplomatic developments also take place concurrently, including visits and direct talks involving regional actors and the US administration.
