The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi has urged Iran to swiftly restore cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, and allow inspectors back into its nuclear facilities.
Speaking in Vienna on Monday, Grossi emphasized that while an opportunity for diplomatic progress still exists, time is rapidly running out.
“There’s still time, but not much,” Grossi cautioned, as the IAEA continues to press Tehran to re-establish monitoring that was suspended earlier this year. Iran halted collaboration with inspectors in June following a series of airstrikes on its nuclear sites attributed to Israel and the United States.
Since then, the absence of direct oversight has heightened global concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions.
At the center of the standoff is more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels. According to the IAEA, Iran has yet to disclose where this material is being stored or the condition in which it remains after the strikes.
The agency’s reporting deadlines have already been missed by Tehran, Grossi noted, further raising suspicions among Western governments.
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Diplomats in Vienna suggest that Iran’s reluctance to provide details may stem from fears that Israel could exploit such information to justify additional military action.
Despite these challenges, Grossi reported modest progress in recent negotiations with Iranian officials. He expressed cautious optimism that an agreement might be reached within days, which could re-establish monitoring and open the door to broader diplomatic solutions to the nuclear dispute.
The issue has also become a pressing concern for European powers. Germany, France, and Britain have signaled growing impatience with Tehran.
Since late August, the three countries have warned they would push for the reimposition of United Nations sanctions if Iran fails to return to talks within weeks.
However, recent signals from Tehran suggest a potential shift in tone. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a public letter to the European governments, stated that Iran is “ready to forge a realistic and lasting bargain.”
According to Araghchi, such a deal would involve strict international oversight and limits on enrichment activities in exchange for the termination of crippling economic sanctions.
Grossi stressed that re-establishing inspections is not only critical for transparency but also for avoiding a broader regional crisis. “Monitoring and verification are at the heart of trust,” he said, noting that the IAEA’s role is to provide objective, factual information that can prevent conflict.
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