Iran's Nuclear Material Under Scrutiny Amid New IAEA Agreement

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, recently stated that enriched nuclear material remains "under the rubble" of facilities damaged during the June conflict with Israel. This revelation follows a new cooperation framework agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at resuming inspections of Iran's nuclear sites, which had been suspended after the military strikes. Araghchi emphasized that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is currently assessing the condition of the material to report to the Supreme National Security Council, which oversees Iran's nuclear affairs.

Times of IsraelIran says enriched nuclear material 'under rubble'Iran Says Some Enriched Uranium Buried Under Bombed Nuclear SitesIran says nuclear materials buried under bombed sitesNewsweekThe Arab Weekly

The agreement, signed in Cairo on September 9, 2025, allows for the resumption of inspections but stipulates that access to sites will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Araghchi clarified that while the IAEA will have access to some facilities, including the Bushehr nuclear reactor, inspections of bombed sites will be more complicated and contingent on environmental and safety assessments. He also noted that no inspections are currently planned.

Iran says enriched nuclear material 'under rubble'Iran Says Some Enriched Uranium Buried Under Bombed Nuclear SitesThe Arab WeeklyTimes of IsraelNewsweekIran says nuclear materials buried under bombed sites

The backdrop to this agreement includes increasing diplomatic pressure from European nations—Britain, France, and Germany—who have initiated steps to reimpose UN sanctions due to Iran's non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. The so-called "snapback" mechanism could reactivate these sanctions if Iran does not cooperate with the IAEA. Araghchi warned that the new agreement would be nullified if sanctions are reinstated, indicating a precarious balance between Iran's nuclear ambitions and international oversight.

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Despite the optimism expressed by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding the agreement, there are significant concerns about its implementation. Critics, including Iranian lawmakers and media, have voiced skepticism, arguing that the agreement undermines a law passed by the Iranian parliament that restricts cooperation with the IAEA following the attacks. The Kayhan daily criticized the deal, suggesting it bypasses binding legislation and accusing the IAEA of acting under external pressures from the U.S. and Israel.

Iran, IAEA reach new agreement amid dispute over parliament lawIran and IAEA sign technical agreement to restart nuclear inspectionsUntangling Iran's nuclear issueRTTNewsThe Arab WeeklyNewsweek

There are discrepancies regarding the specifics of the agreement. While Grossi stated that the document allows for comprehensive inspections, Araghchi maintained that access would be limited and contingent on Iran's security considerations. This divergence raises questions about the practicalities of the agreement and whether it will effectively address international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Newsweek

Further discussions are anticipated to clarify the modalities of the inspections and the conditions under which they will occur. The E3 countries have indicated they will use the upcoming month to engage diplomatically with Iran before any sanctions are reactivated. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of Iran's nuclear program and its relationship with the IAEA.

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• “all of our material is… under the rubble of the bombed facilities,” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

Times of Israel

• “More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know "This document and its continuation are conditional on no hostile action being taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

Newsweek

• “I have to reiterate the agreement does not currently provide access to IAEA inspectors, apart from the Bushehr nuclear plant,” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

The Arab Weekly

• “the devil will be in the details,” — Diplomatic source regarding the agreement's implementation

Cairo: A new agreement with the Atomic Agency regarding Iranian nuclear facilities raises questions about inspection mechanisms

This situation remains fluid, with Iran's nuclear capabilities and international oversight at a critical juncture.

Newsweek