IAEA Withdraws Inspectors as Access Stalemate Continues With Iran

Vienna, July 4, 2025 — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has pulled its remaining inspectors from Iran amid an escalating standoff over access to Iran’s nuclear sites damaged in recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.“The last remaining inspectors […] departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna,” the IAEA announced on X, citing safety and logistical concerns after the June violence .The move follows a newly passed Iranian law requiring Supreme National Security Council approval for any future inspections. Although Tehran has not formally notified the IAEA of suspension, parliament’s legislation effectively puts routine access on hold until “the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed” .Diplomats revealed that the number of IAEA personnel in Iran had dwindled to just a few during the conflict, with growing concerns about their security in light of harsh criticism from Iranian authorities and media .Iranian officials have accused the agency of facilitating attacks by issuing a damning May 31 report, leading to a Board of Governors resolution declaring Iran out of compliance with its Non‑Proliferation Treaty obligations .IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi affirmed the agency’s stance: “Inspection regime is interrupted,” and emphasized the critical need to resume monitoring to account for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, especially the reported 400 kg of near‑weapons‑grade material .The June strikes from the U.S. and Israel severely damaged Iran’s enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. However, significant uncertainty remains about the location and status of much of the approximately nine tonnes of enriched uranium — particularly the near weapons‑grade stock — which the IAEA can no longer verify .Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi maintained that Tehran remains committed to the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty but demanded formal negotiations on inspection modalities before any inspectors can return .The withdrawal aggravates suspicions among Western nations and U.S. intelligence that Iran may be relocating nuclear material underground or under the protection of alternative security measures ().As of now, no timeline or framework has been agreed to restore the on‑site IAEA presence, further complicating international efforts to ensure transparency and compliance in Iran’s nuclear activities.