UN: Iran Nuclear Pledge Needs 'Very Strong' Verification

IAEA Director Calls for Robust Verification Measures in Iran Nuclear Discussions

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency stated on Friday that any agreement involving Iran's nuclear activities would require substantial verification arrangements. The comments came as the United States and Iran continue negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent settlement following the conflict that began in late February.

Iran's nuclear program remains a central issue in the talks. Iran and the United States signed a preliminary agreement the previous week to conclude the fighting, with further negotiations planned to cover multiple topics, including nuclear matters. Reports from Tehran and Washington have differed on the extent of access that would be granted to U.N. inspectors at Iranian nuclear sites.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the goal of the agreement is to prevent the development of nuclear weapons in Iran. He noted that Iranian officials have stated this is not their objective. Grossi added that declarations of intent alone are insufficient and that a verification system must be established promptly. He indicated that the IAEA has only begun preliminary discussions with Iranian authorities since the preliminary agreement was reached.

The preliminary agreement includes provisions for Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium to undergo downblending under IAEA oversight. Prior to the conflict, the IAEA had assessed that Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. The current status of that material remains unclear following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Residents in Tehran interviewed by AFP described limited immediate effects on daily conditions despite the diplomatic developments. One government employee stated that overall circumstances had not improved and that living costs had continued to rise. A content creator observed that without visible changes in ordinary life, public expectations would likely remain mixed with uncertainty.

Iran's nuclear activities have been a longstanding point of contention with several Western governments. Iranian officials have consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to permit the return of U.N. inspectors. Grossi indicated on Wednesday that inspections at Iranian nuclear facilities would proceed. Iranian authorities stated this week that they did not intend to grant such access.

Iran had reached a nuclear agreement with six major powers in 2015 that imposed limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States withdrew from that agreement during Trump's first term. Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after the U.S. and Israeli strikes conducted in June of the previous year.

The current negotiations also involve other issues, including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and developments in Lebanon. The strait serves as a critical passage for energy shipments from the Gulf region. Iran restricted access to the waterway during the conflict. Discussions have included proposals for transit fees, which have been opposed by the United States and several Gulf states.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to the Gulf region on Wednesday, rejected the fee proposal and stated that any agreement should not be reached at any cost. On the same day, an incident involving a cargo ship in the strait prompted the United Nations to pause an evacuation operation for stranded mariners. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that the vessel had been struck by an unidentified projectile, with no injuries recorded.

Iran has also called for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon to be incorporated into any broader regional agreement. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that Israeli forces should withdraw from all Lebanese territory. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun separately emphasized the importance of any international arrangement that would support Lebanon's armed forces, maintain territorial integrity, and avoid turning the country into a site for regional conflict.

The negotiations continue amid these overlapping disputes.