UN nuclear chief says inspectors will visit Iran sites as part of war deal

June 24, 2026

The International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi announced that nuclear inspectors will conduct site visits in Iran as stipulated in a recent preliminary peace agreement between Iran and the United States. While Grossi confirmed the inspections are mandated by the memorandum of understanding signed by both nations, Iranian officials insist that access to damaged facilities will only occur as part of a final agreement after sanctions are lifted. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Gulf allies to assure them that any deal with Iran won't compromise regional security, as negotiators prepare for additional talks in Switzerland.

Who is affected

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its inspectors
Iranian government and nuclear facility personnel
US government officials including President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other Gulf state leaders in Kuwait and Bahrain
Thousands of sailors stranded by the war
Shipping companies and vessels using the Strait of Hormuz

What action is being taken

IAEA is working on modalities including dates, procedures, and places for inspections
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain leaders to discuss the deal
Ships are passing through the Strait of Hormuz under a UN evacuation scheme for stranded sailors
US and Iran are negotiating toward a final agreement within a 60-day timeframe

Why it matters

This represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough following a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, offering potential de-escalation of nuclear tensions in a volatile region. The agreement affects global oil markets, with Brent crude falling below $75 per barrel, and has major implications for maritime trade through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The outcome will determine whether Iran's nuclear program comes under international supervision and whether regional stability can be restored, directly impacting the security interests of US allies in the Gulf region.

What's next

IAEA will finalize dates, procedures, and locations for nuclear site inspections
US and Iranian negotiators are likely to meet again in Switzerland before the end of the month
Both countries are committed to negotiating a final deal within 60 days of signing the memorandum of understanding
Iran's access provisions for damaged nuclear facilities will be addressed within the framework of a final agreement after sanctions are lifted

Read full article from source: BBC