Rafael Grossi: IAEA Inspectors to Visit Iran's Nuclear Facilities Soon

Grossi's Statement in Japan: Inspections are Certain Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized today, June 24, 2026, during a press conference at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, that the return of inspectors to Iran is inevitable. He stated that the memorandum of understanding signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States explicitly emphasizes the Agency's monitoring of all nuclear activities and nuclear material facilities [1][2]. Referring to the importance of these inspections, Grossi said: "It will happen; whether it is the day after tomorrow, in a week, or ten days. The exact timing is not vital, but the principle of it happening is certain" [3].

Conflicting Narratives; From Washington's Claim to Tehran's Denial This announcement comes as contradictory messages have been broadcast by officials from both countries over the past 24 hours. JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, had previously claimed that Tehran had agreed to the full return of inspectors [4]. In contrast, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied any scheduled plan to visit facilities damaged in last year's conflicts [5]. However, Grossi emphasized that political statements are part of the reality, but the written text of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be the Agency's basis for action [2].

Temporary Agreement and Return to the Negotiating Table in Switzerland These developments are part of a 14-point temporary agreement signed last week between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian, mediated by Pakistan. This agreement has initiated a 60-day negotiation period aimed at achieving a lasting peace and ending the consequences of the 12-day war of 2025 [4]. Under this agreement, Iran has committed to reducing its 60% enriched uranium stockpiles and returning them to lower levels, provided that United States economic sanctions are gradually lifted [1][3].

Impact on Global Markets and Regional Security News reports indicate that with the release of positive news regarding the inspection process and the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude oil prices have fallen below $75 per barrel for the first time since the start of the conflict [4]. Meanwhile, technical negotiations between Iranian and American delegations are scheduled to continue next week at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland to finalize more precise details on how inspectors will access the sensitive Natanz and Fordow sites [1][5].