Wed Dec 24 15:19:50 UTC 2025: Summary:
Following US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, Iran has refused to allow IAEA inspections until the agency defines “post-war conditions” for accessing bombed sites. Iran argues the IAEA must condemn the attacks and clarify procedures for facilities under international safeguards that have been targeted militarily. Iran also criticized a UN Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation and asserted that Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Iran nuclear deal, has expired. The US remains open to talks only if Iran agrees to direct dialogue and halts uranium enrichment.
News Article:
Iran Blocks Nuclear Inspections, Demands “Post-War” Rules After US Strikes
Tehran, Iran – Iran has barred international inspectors from accessing its nuclear facilities damaged in recent US military strikes, demanding the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, first define clear “post-war conditions” governing access to sites attacked in armed conflicts. The move comes after the US bombed the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities in June, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, told reporters on Wednesday that Tehran will not permit inspections until the IAEA establishes a defined framework. “If there are established procedures for the post-war situation, the agency should announce them so that we can act accordingly,” Eslami stated.
Iran has formally notified the IAEA, arguing that rules must be codified for situations where safeguarded nuclear facilities are targeted militarily. Iran also accuses the IAEA of failing to condemn the attacks. The Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on “installations containing dangerous forces, namely dams, dykes and nuclear electrical generating stations,” and Tehran expects the IAEA to unequivocally condemn any violations.
The decision to block inspections follows escalating tensions, including Israeli attacks within Iran that targeted nuclear scientists and facilities. Iran expelled IAEA inspectors following the June bombings, claiming the agency failed to condemn the actions.
Adding to the diplomatic friction, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, stated that Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Iran nuclear deal, expired in October 2025 and is no longer legally binding, a position supported by Russia and China.
While Iran claims it remains committed to diplomacy, the US representative to the UN, Morgan Ortagus, stated that Washington is open to talks only if Iran agrees to direct dialogue and halts uranium enrichment.
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