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

"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.