Mon Sep 08 11:39:34 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief Optimistic About Iran Inspections, Warns Time is Short**

Vienna, Austria – Talks between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran regarding the resumption of inspections of Iranian nuclear sites are showing progress, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Speaking to the 35-nation IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, Grossi expressed hope for a “successful conclusion” to discussions “within the next few days,” but cautioned that “there is still time, but not much.”

The IAEA’s access to Iranian nuclear facilities has been a point of contention, particularly following a 12-day war in June, in which Israel and the United States bombed nuclear facilities. Iran was angered after the IAEA issued a damning report in May declaring Tehran was in breach of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) .This action, coupled with the IAEA’s perceived silence regarding the attacks, prompted Iran to pass a law requiring approval from its Supreme National Security Council for any future inspections.

Grossi confirmed that the IAEA lacks information on the current status and location of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile since the attacks. While he believes the material is largely intact, he stressed the need for verification, acknowledging the possibility of some losses.

The renewed urgency comes as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom recently triggered a mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran following stalled negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. The “E3” nations had warned that UN sanctions could be reimposed by October, coinciding with the expiration of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

The outcome of the ongoing discussions between the IAEA and Iran is crucial for ensuring transparency and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region. The international community awaits the results with cautious optimism, aware of the limited time remaining to secure a positive resolution.

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