Iran Rejects IAEA Inspections of Bombed Nuclear Sites Without Clear Framework

Iran has firmly stated it will not comply with demands from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear facilities that were bombed during military strikes by the United States and Israel in June 2025. Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, emphasized that the IAEA must first establish a clear framework for inspections of sites damaged by military actions. He articulated that without defined procedures for post-war conditions, Iran will not accept any political or psychological pressure to allow inspections of the bombed facilities, which include key sites such as Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan.

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In June 2025, the U.S. military, in coordination with Israel, conducted significant airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, resulting in extensive damage and casualties, with reports indicating over 430 fatalities and thousands injured. Following these attacks, Iran expelled IAEA inspectors, accusing the agency of failing to condemn the military actions. Eslami has called for the IAEA to clarify whether such attacks are permissible under international law, specifically referencing the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit assaults on nuclear facilities.

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Eslami has reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and focused on technological advancement. He criticized the recent UN Security Council discussions regarding Iran's nuclear activities as unprofessional and lacking legal grounding, particularly pointing out that Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has expired and thus holds no legal effect. He stated, “If the IAEA considers military attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities acceptable, it must explicitly approve and declare that.”

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Iran's position has drawn criticism from various international representatives. During a recent UN Security Council meeting, France's deputy permanent representative, Jay Dharmadhikari, labeled Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear obligations as a significant threat to international peace. Additionally, the deputy head of the European Union delegation, Hedda Samson, urged Iran to provide updated and verifiable declarations regarding its nuclear material.

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There are discrepancies regarding the extent of damage and the operational status of Iran's nuclear facilities post-strikes. While Iranian officials assert that the facilities remain under the Safeguards of the IAEA, the exact conditions and the implications of the military strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities are still unclear.

CNNAl Jazeera (website)Iran says no basis for inspection of bombed nuclear sitesEslami: Iran Won’t Respond to Political Pressure to Inspect Bombed Nuclear Sites

• “Until this issue is clarified, political and psychological pressure, as well as irrelevant demands to re-inspect the bombed facilities and complete the enemy’s operations, will not be accepted and will receive no response,” — Mohammad Eslami, Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization

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• “If there are established procedures for the post-war situation, the Agency should announce them so that we can act accordingly,” — Mohammad Eslami

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• “Referring to the UN Security Council meeting held on Tuesday, Eslami said the discussions no longer merely warranted regret but instead exposed the reality of long-standing US pressure on Iran’s nuclear industry.” — Mohammad Eslami

Iran says no basis for inspection of bombed nuclear sites

Iran has expressed a commitment to principled diplomacy and genuine negotiations, placing the onus on the U.S., France, and the UK to restore trust. The future of Iran's nuclear negotiations remains uncertain, particularly in light of the recent military actions and the ongoing debate over the legal status of the JCPOA.

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