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The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that inspections at Iranian atomic sites are "going to happen," after Tehran and Washington signed a preliminary deal aimed at ending the Middle East war.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said the agreement "explicitly" states that nuclear activities related to nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA.
"Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect," Grossi told reporters during a visit to Japan.
His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to the "highest level nuclear inspections long into the future," while Tehran said the U.N. nuclear watchdog would not be allowed to inspect nuclear sites bombed by the United States and Israel last year.
Grossi did not give a specific timeline for inspections.
He said the date and location of the inspection are currently under discussion, with a decision expected soon "in collaboration and in cooperation with the government of Iran."
"Whether this happens today after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it's important but not essential. This is going to happen," Grossi said.
The preliminary deal between Tehran and Washington cited the involvement of the IAEA in the next steps related to Iran's nuclear program.
Iran said Tuesday that the U.N. nuclear watchdog would not be allowed to inspect nuclear sites bombed by the United States and Israel last year.
Tehran also rejected U.S. Vice President JD Vance's claim that Iran had agreed to allow inspectors back in.
Trump, however, said Tuesday that Iran had "fully and completely agreed" to allow nuclear inspectors to return to the country.
He also said U.S. Navy forces would no longer blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claimed Tuesday that Iran had agreed to "highest level nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!)," saying the move would ensure "nuclear honesty" and that talks between the two countries were "doing well."
"Despite their protestations and false statements to the contrary, coupled with the drumbeat of the fake news, which is doing everything possible to make the U.S. victory as small and insignificant as possible, Iran has fully and completely agreed to the highest level nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!)," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"This will insure 'Nuclear Honesty.' If they did not agree to this, there would be no further negotiations!" he added.
Grossi said the agreement between Tehran and Washington refers to the IAEA's role in supervising nuclear activities involving nuclear material facilities.
He said inspections would be necessary for the agency to carry out that role.
The inspection plans remain under discussion with Iran, and Grossi said the timing was less important than the fact that inspections would take place.
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