Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a new agreement in Cairo on Tuesday, opening the door for renewed cooperation, including discussions on relaunching inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The announcement followed a trilateral meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Egyptian officials have played a mediating role in efforts to restore dialogue between Tehran and the U.N. watchdog.
The development comes at a tense moment. On August 28, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom initiated steps to reimpose sanctions on Iran, citing violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement designed to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.
Tensions have been high since June, when Israel and the United States launched a 12-day air war against Iran, striking several nuclear facilities. Since then, the IAEA has been restricted in its monitoring activities. The only site inspected in recent months was the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, operated with Russian assistance, where inspectors observed a fuel replacement procedure from August 27–29.
The IAEA has not been able to verify Iran’s near bomb-grade uranium stockpile since June 13, a lapse Grossi has described as “a matter of serious concern.”
In July, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed legislation suspending all cooperation with the agency, deepening the standoff. Iranian officials have since signaled that while talks may resume, they will be “technical” and “complicated.”
Diplomats noted that the Cairo accord represents a cautious step forward, though deep mistrust remains after the June conflict and years of disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
