IAEA Inspectors Return to Iran: A New Chapter in the Nuclear Standoff?

In a significant development following a period of heightened tension and suspended cooperation, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced that a team of inspectors has returned to Iran. This marks the first time since the Israeli and American strikes on the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities last June that such a team has been present. The move raises critical questions about the future of Iran's nuclear program and the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Tehran had previously suspended its cooperation with the UN-affiliated agency in protest of what it saw as the IAEA's failure to condemn the unprecedented conflict launched by Israel, with US involvement, which included the bombing of three nuclear facilities on June 13.

In an interview with the American news channel "Fox News," aired on Tuesday, Grossi stated, "The first team of IAEA inspectors has returned to Iran… We are on the verge of starting again." He added that the agency is currently engaged in discussions with Iranian officials regarding the "practical measures" needed to fully resume their inspection work. Grossi noted that some of Iran's nuclear facilities were attacked while others were not, which necessitates careful coordination to ensure an efficient restart of their operations.

The return of the inspectors coincides with crucial talks held in Geneva between Iran and the European E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany). Through these discussions, Tehran aims to prevent the Europeans from triggering the "snapback mechanism," a measure that could lead to the re-imposition of severe international sanctions. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who attended the talks, stated that "the time has come" for the three European countries "to make the right choice and give diplomacy time and space."

European nations are hinting at activating this mechanism by the end of the current month. The "snapback mechanism," included in the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, allows for the re-imposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Tehran if it breaches its commitments under the deal. The agreement's effects have been largely nullified since the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response, a year later, Iran began progressively scaling back its core commitments under the agreement.

Tuesday's meeting was the second between Iranian and European diplomats since the end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. This sudden conflict had disrupted nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran and prompted Iran to suspend its cooperation with the international agency.

In light of these developments, Tehran has affirmed its readiness to cooperate with the agency "in a new way," while prioritizing its security interests. Western countries and Israel remain suspicious that Tehran is seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb, an accusation Iran vehemently denies, asserting its right to pursue its nuclear program for peaceful, civilian purposes.