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IAEA Inspectors Withdraw as Iran Suspends Nuclear Oversight

Tehran’s law blocking on-site monitoring leaves the whereabouts of its enriched uranium unverified, halting the IAEA’s verification role.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi waits for an emergency meeting of the agency’s Board of Governors to discuss the situation in Iran following the U.S. attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl/File Photo
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One on the way to New Jersey, U.S., July 4, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
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Overview

  • The IAEA withdrew its last remaining inspectors from Iran on July 4 after Tehran enacted legislation suspending cooperation with the UN watchdog.
  • Iran’s new law, signed by President Pezeshkian on July 2 and backed by the Majlis, mandates approval from the Supreme National Security Council for any future inspections.
  • With inspectors gone, over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity is unaccounted for, creating a significant gap in nuclear safeguards.
  • Director-General Rafael Grossi has urged immediate talks with Iran to define modalities for restoring essential monitoring and verification activities.
  • President Trump has proclaimed US and Israeli strikes on Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan have set back Iran’s nuclear programme permanently, though the full extent of damage and stockpile status remains unclear.