IAEA Says U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Grants Access to Nuclear Sites

The U.S.-Iran interim peace agreement gives the U.N. nuclear watchdog access to Tehran's nuclear sites, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the memorandum of understanding signed last week specifically places the nuclear component under IAEA supervision, which requires inspections. "The technical work has started, and we hope to be there soon," Grossi told reporters in Japan.

His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to allow nuclear inspections. Iran has insisted there are no new plans for U.N. inspectors to visit sites damaged in U.S. and Israeli strikes.

"There is a bit of a war of statements here," Grossi said. "What is undeniable is that we have an MOU. This MOU specifically indicates that the nuclear part of the memorandum will be supervised. This is the word, will be supervised by the IAEA. In order to supervise, we need to inspect. There is no other way."

The 14-point memorandum, signed last week, ended nearly four months of hostilities between Washington and Tehran. Both sides agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz toll-free for at least 60 days and to end all fighting, including in Lebanon where Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have clashed.

Disputes over the deal's details have persisted since the signing. Grossi's statement is the first independent confirmation that the IAEA expects on-site access under the agreement's terms.