IAEA Inspectors Depart Iran
IAEA inspectors have returned to Vienna after staying in Iran during the Iran-Israel war. Their departure follows Tehran's suspension of cooperation with the IAEA. Director Grossi urges renewed dialogue to restore nuclear monitoring amid rising global concern.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has safely departed Iran, returning to the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna after remaining in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict between Iran and Israel, the IAEA confirmed via its official account on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
The inspectors' departure follows a tense period marked by heightened hostilities and political upheaval, which included a near two-week war that severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Despite the challenges, the IAEA maintained its presence on the ground, underscoring the importance of its verification mission amid escalating concerns about the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict. pic.twitter.com/65YQcDL7Ik
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) July 4, 2025
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the necessity of renewed dialogue with Tehran to restore oversight mechanisms. In a statement shared on social media, Grossi reiterated the “crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible.”
IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible.
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) July 4, 2025
The Agency’s call for reengagement comes in the wake of Iran’s official decision to suspend its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. On June 25, a day after a ceasefire agreement was reached, Iranian lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to halt cooperation with the IAEA. Iranian state media reported that the legislation was intended to “ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran” under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), particularly in relation to uranium enrichment activities.
The vote marked a significant step in Tehran's resistance to international oversight, with the move drawing criticism from Western powers. Washington, which has been urging Tehran to return to negotiations interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities on June 13, described the Iranian decision as "unacceptable."
Since the war, Iran's nuclear program has emerged as a renewed focal point of international diplomacy. Inspections had been one of the key mechanisms for the IAEA to verify Iran’s compliance with its international commitments. The suspension of cooperation now leaves critical questions unanswered regarding the current state of Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Despite the strained relations, Grossi and the IAEA continue to express hope for re-engagement. As the inspectors return to Vienna, the international community watches closely for signs of a diplomatic breakthrough that might re-establish the transparency and trust that has eroded during the latest conflict.
The IAEA has not yet announced whether a follow-up mission will be scheduled or if further negotiations with Iran are underway. However, Grossi's statement suggests that the Agency remains committed to its mission of safeguarding against nuclear proliferation, and to working with Iran to re-establish monitoring as an urgent priority.
