Grossi says IAEA will return to Iran's sites, but timing 'not essential'
The agency chief plays down the clock on inspections as Washington and Tehran send conflicting signals about what the June 17 deal requires
Summary
Iaea director general Rafael Grossi said on June 25 the agency will return to inspect Iran's nuclear sites as agreed, but he saw no urgency on timing. The remark followed days of conflicting messaging: US Vice President JD Vance said on June 22 that Iran had again agreed to inspections, while United States and Iranian officials publicly disputed on June 23 whether Tehran had committed to that at all. The June 17 memorandum suspends hostilities for 60 days but sets no timeframe for renewed IAEA access, deferring enrichment questions to a final deal. Iranian officials have said they will not let inspectors into sites bombed in 2025.
Why it matters
Inspection access is the trust test of the ceasefire framework. Grossi lowering the temperature buys negotiating room, but the unresolved gap over the bombed enrichment sites is where the deal could still break, with Donald Trump facing Republican critics who call the memorandum too generous.
What to watch
- Whether IAEA inspectors actually deploy within Grossi's loose "ten days" window.
- Tehran's position on access to the previously struck enrichment facilities.
- Any US move to recertify or walk back the 60-day suspension.